In this world there are builders and destroyers. Many times the builders outnumber the destroyers,but at times the destroyers, though insignificant in number, make waves by sowing fear especially at times when the spirit is low and emotions are high. They just want to feed on anything that will make life bitter for everyone. Take thecase of destroyers who terrorized the gullible with text messages of Bohol being swallowed by the sea if and when aftershocks reach 6,000. They feel full satisfaction seeing people tremble in fear as a result of their pranks. These are the types of people who should be swallowed by the sea. We thank Gov. Edgar M. Chatto for organizing a public forum on disaster, climate change and marine biodiversity last Wednesday. At least the team of experts allayed the fears of people thru their expert knowledge on what drives fear among the Boholanosafter the 7.2 magnitude earthquake last October 15.

The team headed by PHIVOLCS head Professor Renato Solidum were able to explain why Bohol will not sink even with 7,000 aftershocks. Once more the scientists confirmed that up to this day not even the most advanced technology can predict when an earthquake of any intensity or magnitude will occur. What is clear now is that we have learned from the lessons of that monster earthquake. And that is to build more sturdy bridges, buildings and dwellings that can resist strong tremors and typhoons. Building officials, architects and engineers will now train on how to design such type of structures. DENR will complete a geo-hazard map that will identify areas dangerous or at risk for buildings and houses. This way any harm as a result of disasters and other acts of nature will be reduced to the minimum because it is not the earthquake that kills but the building that falls and crumbles .

We're glad the team also gave a solid yes for the construction of the New Bohol Airport in Panglao. A subject of two decades of delay and criticism from pseudo experts, the proposed airport can finally take off as it is now taking off with the start of the clearing, grubbing and fencing work last November 20. The new airport is an important ingredient of Bohol's vision of making the province a prime eco-cultural tourism destination in the country and in the region. Sinkholes have also become less fearsome for Boholanos especially for Tagbilaranons. Sinkholes and caves have been under Bohol for centuries and have withstood many earthquakes. This means they have now marbolized and will not cave in. Those that could cave in for lack of strength have caved in already during the last October 15 quake. More studies by concerned government agencies, of course, will continue to be made.

However, while the team of Dr.Solidumgave a lot of answers to the queries and concerns of Boholanos, there remain unanswered ones. Like when will the fish return to the fishing grounds? Like how can people adequately prepare for disasters when technical terms have not been reduced to layman's terms that is understood by the masses? Or when can the technology of say Project Noah be brought down to the level of the ordinary Juan and Pedro. The speakers were also evasive on the question of whether an induced microwave pulse can really generate a strong typhoon. In other words can typhoons like Yolanda be man-made? Anyway we rejoice at the fact that Bohol is slowly moving towards full recovery especially that help continues to come from generous donors because now, more than ever, the victims need to build their new homes otherwise there can be no full recovery. NOTES: We join the world in mourning the death of Nelson Mandela, the South African leader who changed the view of the world on apartheid. He restored human dignity to his people long enslaved by a few powerful white people.