(First of three parts)
In this current era of economic uncertainties and glaring poverty in various depressed areas in the Metropolis and in far-flung barangays in the countryside throughout the country, there is a great need for government and private entities to work hand in hand together to uplift the life of the less fortunate. The programs of government alone as reported in the news daily are apparently not sufficient to address the growing needs of the people in education, health, housing and good-paying jobs among others. Something feasible and concrete must be done to pave the way towards zero poverty.
The increasing numbers of lending establishments usually owned by loan sharks is not the answer to the never-ending daily needs of financially challenged individuals. What they need is a self-sustaining financial facility that will assist them to attain their desired goal. A close scrutiny of the government’s programs to alleviate the plight of the poor through small and medium enterprises may sound good on student’s term papers but reality check would show that only few are benefited. Indigenous people are often neglected, especially those in secluded areas. Since time immemorial, there has always been a clash between the rich and the poor. Corruption and exploitation by the rich are obviously being tolerated leaving the poor at the mercy of the power that be. This has to end and it can only be done by empowering the less privileged in the community to acquire and control their own property.
The questions would be HOW and WHEN. There are financial institutions like banks that offer low-interest loans on car, education, travel and housing but it will take a lifetime for the poor to comply with the documentary requirements. In the local parlance, “Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo?”
What the local communities need today is an organization that would empower the economically challenged individuals to pursue their dreams by giving them constant access to vital social and economic services that would help them become better and useful citizens of this country. No institution or agency has the sole obligation to cater to the needs of the poor. It is the moral duty of both the state and the private sector to ensure that every citizen, especially the poorest of the poor have easy access to finances that would help them augment their daily needs. Filipinos are naturally enterprising. If given the opportunity to grow, they will not hesitate to grab it. A bright learner, if given the chance to pursue studies, could become a doctor, a businessman, a lawyer, a teacher or anything he or she wanted to be. A farmer, if given the necessary tools and farm implements, could produce farm products not only for his family but for the whole community at a much lower price. A solo parent which has become a trend today, if allowed to venture on a small business could eventually succeed in feeding the family thus becoming a useful member of our society.
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.
