User:IvanMiro

THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE FUTURE AGAINST COVID19: PRACTICE THE ACT OF ONLINE EMPATHY

I attempted to compress into a single word this pandemic that made its way into our young lives and wreaked havoc upon its wake. Through the lens of the young, I wonder how it feels to see the world somehow fall apart through our very own eyes, seeing most of humanity struggling to fight back with this unseen threat. At such a young and crucial point in our lives, we are experiencing a global crisis not just on health, but also on many aspects of our society that the extent of its damaging repercussions might be too complex and complicated for us to digest.

Now, I ask you, my fellow young people, how do you feel? Is everything alright for you?

One thing is certain. It is not an isolated case for me. Going through this crisis is indeed not easy, and has never been easy with anyone else’s, too. We are fighting our own battles right now. Being cut off to see our friends and family and the outside world may have been a struggle. Still, I know that we could get through this together. Yes, I hear you, my fellow young people. We are all inspired and motivated by these heroes. Those, who with their valiant efforts, contribute and play their part for the betterment of our country. We wanted to do something, too. I feel your burning desire and passion to lend a hand. And, yes! We have so much to do even from our homes. After binge-watching all those series that you wanted to see in the past month and all the books that you may have read, reread -- again and again -- right now, let us finally take into account the welfare of our fellow Filipinos in light of the pandemic. No pressure needed though. It is not as if we are obligated to do so. Take all the time that you need. And when you’re ready, we go. This stems out from pure desire and genuine will to act for our rising country.

It won't be hurt to the people whom we digitally cross paths with. Practice the act of online empathy. We are unaware of what they are going through. Let us try to understand the situation they are in because it has never been easy for anyone. However, this does not mean that we will tolerate harassments, threats, and discrimination online. Stand your ground. Remember that you are aware of your own rights. Continue to protect and promote equal rights for all during this quarantine. Let us devote ourselves to become a living testament to the powerful message of gender equality. Now, as we struggle to transition from our young lives without lockdown to the ‘new normal’ with the rest of the world, my hope is that the spirit of our resilience and the camaraderie among Filipinos and the global community persist and win against all the forces that try to bring the whole world down.

Let us stay safe, well-informed and positive as we fight hand in hand. We will get through this crisis together and we will be multiple steps closer towards a new world with a healed humankind.