Friday, January 31, 2014

#GLOBEProjectWonderful2014: Livelihood for Filipino

On the news the other night was another violent demolition at Agham Road in Quezon City. The problem in urban poor and illegal settlers have been ages now. It's been ages but no best solution have ever been formulated. I wonder why? What went wrong? What's lacking our Government? What Philippines don't have right now?

Those are the questions that are running in my mind whenever I am watching such violent scene. It's like history repeats itself and it's a recurring problem. How can we ever end poverty? This push me to write about #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014.

“If there is one thing you can give to the Philippines, what is that gift?”

Financial help will never be enough. Come to think of it. Local governments always give financial helps that the settlers will accept. They will then be moved to the relocation areas where they will have their own homes. But after sometime, they will go back to the city and choose to be an illegal settler again. Why? Because again financial help is not enough.

Helping should not stop by giving them financial help. It's not all about money. It's about showing them that we care for them. It's making them feel they are not garbage thrown to that remote areas. They must be educated and informed that everything is possible. Money is just a tool and what will take them out from poverty is their own hands, with God's grace of course.

So to answer what gift can I give to the Philippines right now, it is livelihood for the Filipinos. How? By learning what our own hands can do. We Filipinos are very creative. In fact, there are many handicrafts businesses in our country and I must say our products are world class. It does not need to be that huge but it can be something that starts at home.

Yes, we can start at home. Like teaching mothers to earn while at home. I may not be a stay at home mom because I work full time outside work, but I still work at home using my own hands. Thereby, letting us earn extra income while enjoying what I do.
If one day, given a chance I'll start a livelihood program teaching moms like me how to crochet. 
Providing the informal settlers their own livelihood will make them stay in the relocation areas. They complain about their far jobs so why not give them jobs within their areas? Otherwise, give the mothers knowledge on different crafts so theycan also earn while at home.

Money is not all that they need. Assurance that they will live is what they really need. They must be encouraged to open their eyes that their life doesn't stop when their houses are demolished. It is just the beginning of something wonderful in their lives.

Now, let me ask you “If there is one thing you can give to the Philippines, what is that gift?”


We can definitely make a difference. Let me hear yours =)


#GLOBEProjectWonderful2014

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