Cruz: ‘Pinoy unity biggest consolation in Leyte landslide’

If there is anything positive that should come out of last week's landslide disaster in Leyte, it is that people have learned to unite in times of calamity. Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz said Tuesday that while some still engage in blame-passing, most are now united in seeking and rescuing survivors. "From the loss of many lives, houses and other material possessions comes the sterling reality that in big calamities, humanity is one in responding. There emerges the crystal clear lesson that people of the world become one in facing catastrophic times," he said in his web log. He said this is a "sobering thought, an endearing consolation, a precious recall" that one humanity calls on one God when the chips are down." The usually fiery prelate also said the difference of race, color and creed should not divide it but instead promote the truth of unity in diversity. "From the dead, the living learns. From the deep and dirty mud emerges a pure and inspiring message. Massive suffering, extreme pain and untimely deaths know no frontiers. They readily unite people. They actually prove that the world is still one in sentiments and concerns," he said. However, he said he hopes that in due time, the Southern Leyte disaster will leave behind the message that men, women and children become united in facing big tragedies and challenges. "And they become doubly stronger when they become one, think and act as one. Unity in tragedy: this is both the message and mandate coming from Southern Leyte," he said.-GMANEWS.TV