Insufficiency in Life of Exploited Filipinos...whose fault?
Posted on Monday, 30 June 2014
Insufficiency
In Life of Exploited Filipinos
…whose
fault?
By Apolinario Villalobos
Insufficiency
in life of exploited Filipinos is not a
choice but a misfortune that resulted due to the greed of compatriots “up
there”. It is not fair to declare that the Badjaos, for instance, should blame
themselves for their ignorance. These people tried to live decently, but the
government failed to reach out to them, just because they live in almost
inaccessible islands of Tawi-tawi and Sulu. The government did not put up
schools in their villages so that they can have the same opportunity afforded
to the rest of Filipinos living in towns and cities.
Those living in depressed areas which the
hypocrites perceive as nests of hoodlums are blind to the realities that these
people left their provinces because of political unrests. They went to cities
with a fervent hope that they can find a new life or nurture a new one. But the
indolent government people who are receiving fat wages and allowances refuse to
even give them a second look as they rummage through garbage dumps for morsels
of food. They are herded like animals towards the direction where government
activities are held to show the world that they are solid in their support of
whoever sits in Malacaῆan Palace. They endure this humiliation in exchange for a packed
lunch. During campaigns for forthcoming elections, they are accused of selling
their votes…but can a grumbling stomach make a choice? What about those
vultures in the lawmaking halls that feed on the people’s money?
Every time the prime city of Manila expects
international dignitaries, these unfortunates who find nocturnal solace in the
warmth of sidewalks are “collected” and brought to the Department of Social
Welfare compounds where they are “processed” – names taken, addresses noted,
etc. At the end they are again let out soonest as the dignitaries have flown
out of Manila.
The promised comfort of the country’s
inclusion in the WTO and the frenzy of privatization remained hollow. For the
real needy, the effect is not felt. Only the few got richer. The country has
just become a milking cow of economically stronger nations. The country’s
leaders are blaming each other for the difficulties that the country is
experiencing…nobody is willing to accept even a grain of fault.
The cycle of exploitation and suffering in
the Philippines is never ending. The passing of the blame is equally endless. The
best way that the exploited Filipino can do is not to perceive insufficiency as
a stumbling block that hinders one’s dream. Rather, it should be treated as a
force that pulls one to continue moving forward, no matter what the real
hindrances are. But for how long can the exploited Filipino endure it?
Discussion