2nd of three parts
Helping the poor to cultivate their potential is an exemplary endeavor but it is not the sole obligation of a particular government entity. There must be a concerted effort among state agencies working in partnership with private institutions. Working in harmony with each other is one of the primary keys to achieve the desired goal – that of seeing a transformed citizenry, free from the fangs of extreme poverty.
This is not an easy task. It requires a lot of time, dedication, manpower and resources. Sadly, in some instances the giving of financial assistance to the poor has paved the way to corruption, nepotism and favoritism. There were reports in the past that the financial aids (“ayuda”) from the government have been profoundly politicized by some local government officials mostly in the Barangay level. Instead of giving the aid to deserving residents, they are giving it to their relatives, friends and political allies to the prejudice of the poor. This practice should not be tolerated yet it has become part of the system.
“Ayuda” alone whether coming from the public or private sector is not the answer to the growing poverty in this country. The people at large need to be properly educated financially and this can be done through training and seminar-workshops. But how many among the poor are willing to undergo training when most of them are preoccupied thinking where they would get the next meal or the money to pay for the bills? It would take a great phenomenon to convince them! Life is not fair. That’s a given and we ought to accept it, but there is one common denominator available to all – hard work.
There’s a saying that “poverty is not a hindrance to success” and success is achievable with the assistance of other people or institutions who are tasked to work in harmony with each other towards one shared dream – that of eradicating poverty in a particular community or the country as a whole.
Government workers can avail of a variety of loans from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) while those connected with private companies and the self-employed can acquire loans from the Social Security System (SSS).
What about those who can barely read and write? Those residing in the mountain ridges and riverbanks? Most of them don’t even have IDs or Community Tax Certificates (Cedula). They are the socially and economically challenged people who actually need financial, educational, health and other life-changing services.
This is probably one of the many reasons why the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) was established purposely to train and help those in the depressed areas to overcome difficulties that come their way. Kudos to the people behind its creation!
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.
