The long weekend this last week of October was supposed to be enjoyed by the Filipino families but Typhoon @Paeng ruined all their plans – taking a short vacation somewhere outside their homes after visiting their loved ones in their final resting place; attending family reunions and many other activities that would refresh their minds and enliven their spirits. Instead, the remaining free time after the typhoon was devoted to clearing the surrounding from fallen trees, scattered debris, repair of damaged parts of the house and drying wet stuff that were soaked in the rain.
Anyway, the typhoon is already over and we are all back to our normal routine again. Some provinces including Laguna suspended classes in all levels for a few more days to give the people, especially those greatly affected by the flood, time to recover from the ill effects of the catastrophe. As usual, calamity loans were granted to deserving government workers by the GSIS and financial assistance were given to the poor by DSWD. The giving of assistance to the less fortunate by the government and the private sector has become routinary and I doubt if this kind of system will ever end.
I have nothing against the giving of subsidies and ‘ayuda’ to the poorest of the poor but let us admit that such a scheme has become a source of corruption by corrupt local officials. Imagine PBBM getting upset upon seeing people in a queue holding tickets so they can be given food packs. When the President asked the Barangay Chairman in-charge why such ticket is needed, the latter reasoned out “baka po kasi may makadoble.” “So, what? replied the President. It would not make them richer if the food packs given to a person was doubled.” This scenario is common in many barangays.
Just lately, a certified “Marites” in a particular community told me that during the onset of the pandemic, a certain barangay chairperson allegedly hoarded hundred sacks of rice inside their house intended for all the families in the barangay. Not only that, “Marites” also alleged that the said chairperson pocketed a large part of the money intended for the residents of the barangay during the lockdown. Bad cheetah! This kind of practice is common in many parts of the country according to sources, the very reason why many are dreaming to become a barangay chief. Hmmm…
Who wouldn’t want money? Everybody needs it because it makes the world go round so to speak. Yes, everybody needs money but you must earn it the legal way! Not by taking it from the funds intended for the poorest of the poor. Bear in mind that no matter how much amount of money you have stolen from the poor, you cannot bring it with you in the afterlife. So be good and stay good.
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
