Nathan

Life, Philippines

Recently, I was able to read an article on “If you pay people to be poor, you will never run out of poor people.” Though the column is mainly in a British setting, it applies well to the Philippine landscape.

Whether we like it or not, we are paying people to be poor. Given a normal citizen of the country being witness to a poverty-stricken community, the initial reaction and action taken would be drawing out the wallet and giving donations. Even foundations, and the government mainly thinks along this line – giving out relief goods, free operation, free medicine, etc. All of these aren’t bad, mind you. Of course, they are good and beneficial. However, this does not solve IT. Given money, they thrive. But does anything change? No.

Moreover, it is good if the recipients of these donations use the money and other goods to better themselves, by using these as opportunities to get out of poverty – starting a small business, getting education, etc. However, usually, the money they receive only go as payments to loansharks. However, of course, there are those who just receive these good intentions and use them for their vices, which makes me really mad. Oftentimes, we’ve been reduced to a laughing stock by other nations, because Filipinos do all means just to lift the families from poverty, including of course doing demeaning work just to earn money.

Generally, Filipinos are not lazy. In fact, Filipinos are one of the most industrious lot. Given the right opportunities, they will strive to the top. What the government should provide are GOOD opportunities. Not JUST opportunities, but opportunities to hone and utilize those skills for their benefit and the country’s. Money alone does not solve the poor’s problems. Paying for poverty does not end poverty.

Related posts:

1. The Filipino is Worth Living and Dying For As Ninoy died saying, 'The Filipino is worth dying for,'...
2. Money Diminishes Pain, Manipulation Yes, we are easily manipulated. So says this interesting article....

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.