I read an article from a Philippine newspaper’s website; that the government announced a P5-billion aid program for the poor as a solution to the food crisis in the country. According to the article, the program would give allowance of up to P1,400 monthly to the poorest families in the 20 poorest provinces… Truly, we are now living in a noontime show age! Numbers of Pinoys have a wowowee kind of mentality… that is a sad truth. Sadder truth, it seems that some of our leaders have this way of thinking too.
Several years back, I heard a preacher said “if you want to help someone, don’t give him a fish everyday, but instead teach him how to fish.” This based on a Chinese proverb which is; “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” This adage etched on my mind.. and since then, I try to apply its principle each time I deal with people who are in need. Its principle is also the reason why I’m not fond of noontime shows nor do I think they help the poor as they claim.
To prevent the poor from hunger… As an answer to food crisis… P5-biillion aid program?! Where did the government get this idea? From Willie Revillame?!
Just like noontime shows, this kind of thing promotes laziness and teaches people to be dependent instead of self-reliant. They will get a monthly stipend without exerting a muscle. Instead of helping the poor, this just makes them paralyze, unable to do things for themselves and just waiting to be spoon-fed. Also, with cash, there is the temptation to use it for other things—for liquor, or gambling. The people is the prime capital of a country, they say. How can people be an asset if they can’t even stand on their own feet? Instead of an asset, they become a burden to the country.
In my humble opinion, the government should provide employment rather monthly allowance. Instead of spending money on this program that have a momentary effect, why not spend it on something that have a long term (good) effect that can probably benefit us all…say, education? Rather consuming their time thinking of a program to alleviate poverty instantly, why not think of an agriculture program that can rehabilitate the irrigation which can increase rice production, and eventually resolve the food crisis?
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fir3st0rm.wordpress.com 
i really luv wowowee…especially will..
Nice post here bro. You’re right in saying that an aid is worth for only a day, or a month, it does not last forever. But if the government were to give aid through all free education up to highschool at least, and open some jobs, even low paying ones as long as it accomodates all, this will benefit those in need for a long term.