Tino leaves severe flooding in Metro Cebu

The Fidelity of Resilience A Behavioral Economist's Perspective on Typhoon Tino

As I sat in my small café, sipping a warm cup of coffee, the news reports streaming in couldn't help but evoke thoughts on the power of resilience in the face of adversity. The devastating flooding caused by Typhoon Tino in Metro Cebu had left many struggling to cope.

As behavioral economists, we know that our decisions are influenced by various factors, including emotions, biases, and context. But what happens when the stakes are high, and survival is at risk? Can we rely on our instincts, or do we need to dig deeper?

Imagine yourself standing on the edge of a river, watching as the waters rise. You've lived in this town your whole life, knowing every inch of its terrain. Yet, today, the familiar landscape has become a maze of chaos and uncertainty.

As you scan the horizon, you notice some people attempting to navigate the floodwaters in small boats or makeshift rafts. Others are clinging to trees or buildings, hoping for a miracle. And then there are those who have already given up – their eyes glazed over, their bodies battered by the relentless current.

You realize that this is not just a natural disaster; it's also an emotional and psychological one. People are struggling to cope with the uncertainty of it all – wondering if they'll ever find safety or if the waters will continue to rise until they're swept away.

This is where fidelity comes in – the unwavering commitment to do what's right, even when everything else seems to be falling apart. It's the refusal to give up, even when the odds are stacked against you.

As behavioral economists, we know that people are not always rational decision-makers. In times of crisis, our emotions and biases can take over, leading us down paths that may not be in our best interest. However, what if we could harness the power of fidelity – using it to guide our decisions and keep us grounded?

Let's imagine a scenario where you're forced to make a difficult choice whether to risk your life to rescue someone else or focus on saving yourself. As you weigh the options, you realize that your commitment to doing what's right (fidelity) is what ultimately guides your decision.

In this moment, you might not be thinking about the long-term consequences or the potential benefits of your actions. You're simply acting out of a deep sense of responsibility and compassion – a sense of fidelity that transcends rational thought.

Now, let's fast-forward to the aftermath of the disaster. As the waters recede, and the community begins to rebuild, you realize that this experience has changed you – perhaps not in ways you expected, but definitely for the better.

You've seen firsthand how people have come together to support one another, sharing what little they have, and offering a helping hand (or boat) when needed most. You've witnessed the resilience of the human spirit, and you've been inspired by it.

As behavioral economists, we know that this is not just a story about individual heroism; it's also a story about collective action and community building. When people come together, sharing their skills and resources, they can achieve far more than they could alone.

The takeaway from this tale of Typhoon Tino? Fidelity – the commitment to do what's right – is not just a personal trait; it's also a collective one. When we prioritize community and cooperation over individual interests, we create a stronger, more resilient network that can weather even the toughest storms.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.