Sobrang kahirapan ang nararamdaman ngayon sa maliit na barangay namin sa Tabontabon, including my own family. Grabe, maraming pamilya ang hindi nakakakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw. Kelan kaya mararamdaman ng mga taga-Jabong yong tinatawag na prosperity? Yong mga pananim na palay, wala pang bunga. I've talked to my father over the phone earlier today, at sinabi niya na papausbong pa lang daw ung mga butil ng palay. With the impact of El Nino sa Pilipinas, malamang na matatagalan pa na mamunga yong mga palay sa lugar namin. Nakakaawa ang mga tao. Naaalala ko ang nanay at tatay ko. Kaya nga nandito ako sa Maynila nagpupursige para makatulong sa pamilya ko.
Ang nangyayaring ito sa baryo namin ay microcosm ng nangyayari sa kabuuan ng bansa. Maraming Pilipino ang nagugutom dahil sa kahirapan. Walang pambili ng pagkain, gamot, at pangtustos sa pag-aaral ng mga anak. Anong kinabukasan ang naghihintay sa pangkaraniwang Pinoy? Heto na naman at campaign period na. Habang ang mga kandidato ay gumagastos ng milyong-milyong salapi sa mga advertisements at kampanya nila, milyong-milyong Pilipino din ang naghihirap at walang makain. Mga taong nakaupo, kelan kayo matututong tumayo? Tingnan ninyo ang tunay na kalagayan ng nakararaming Pinoy.
Showing posts with label Poverty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Poverty. Show all posts
Linking poverty, education and living away from home: A personal experience
Research studies in most Western countries, especially the US and Canada, show that leaving the parental home marks the transition to adulthood and is indicative of parental independence. In developing countries, such as the Philippines, parental home-leaving is somewhat different. One research conducted by Clarinda Berja (one of the faculty members I consulted for my master's thesis) of the Department of Sociology of the University of the Philippines reveals that the main reason why young Filipinos leave their parental homes is economic in nature. Rural poverty leads the youth to go to urban areas to look for jobs where better economic opportunities abound.
As a migrant here in Metro Manila, I could attest that Berja's main finding is true. It is a reality. Being born in a poor family, I know how hard it is to make a living in a rural area. Our municipality is considered 5th class. Gaisano Mall and Robinsons Mall (operated just last year) are located about 37 kilometers away from Tacloban City. About 99% of the people are farmers. In my tennage years, my family lived in a nipa hut - no electricity, so we didn't have any electric devices and equipment like TV. Even in the city, there are very few jobs available for thousands of newly graduates who are all seeking for decent work.
When I was in my elementary years, my father told me that my family could not afford to send me to college. So I was thinking, well, I would be spending my entire life tilling the soil. I kept on asking myself why my little barrio wasn't like the other good places I've seen on a neighbor's television shows/programs. I have seen the sacrifices of my parents and siblings. The burden was there.
Luckily, I graduated with flying colors in both elementary and high school. I felt proud of myself and for my family as I delivered my valedictory address (1998, elementary and 2002 in high school). The year 2002 has been a turning point in my life. I passed the coveted University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT). Actually, I was the only one who passed the exam in our school. With totally no exposure to urban life, I have to temporarily 'migrate' to Tacloban City for my college studies. That was my very first home-leaving experience. I spent four years of my life in Tacloban in different boarding houses. I stayed away from home primarily to study and not because I wanted residential independence. I pursued college education because I knew from the very start that a college diploma would help me land a job and finally help my financially struggling family. Armored with my ambitions and faith in God, I ventured in the unknown. I had a lot of fears and struggles, but I have overcame all these with the help of my supportive family and friends.
I was thinking that after I graduated from college, I would surely look for a job. But when I was studying in UP Tacloban, I've learned a lot of things and I was exposed to different ideas which would help me realize deeper and more important things later in my life. Education really shapes one's attitudes and perspectives. I decided to apply for a master's degree in UP Diliman (thanks to the help and encouragement of Prof. Hernanita Pelino, my sociology professor, and Prof. Ladylyn Lim-Mangada, my political science professor). And fortunately, I passed the entrance exam and the best thing was that my studies would be funded by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. One of the provisions in the scholarship agreement was the prohibition from engaging in any type of employment. At first, my siblings were against my plan going to Manila to pursue my master's studies. They wanted me to immediately work and help them which was a legitimate and reasonable demand. They argued that I have already my college diploma so I have to work. They got angry, but I already made up my mind. I have bigger ambitions in life, and I was quite sure that this would greatly help them later on.
It was May 2006 when I enrolled in UP Diliman. Innocent as I was, I looked for a dormitory inside the campus. For two years, I stayed at Ipil Residence Hall and within that time frame, I finished all the coursework, i.e., academic units, required. I have already presented my thesis proposal. I began to associate myself with different types of people inside the university. After the scholarship agreement expired, I immediately looked for work. I did part-time tutorial work with Korean students. I also taught social science subjects in a computer college. And recently, I am working in a BPO industry. It is almost four years since I started my MA study, and I am still working on my thesis. My focus shifted from finishing my graduate thesis to earning money. I send money to my family every pay day. If you are working and studying at the same time, you will know what I am talking about.
For almost 12 years living on my own (by the way, I'm 24 years old now), you could imagine how I always missed my family. No mother who used to give me a medicine when I was sick. No more father who used to bring me to hospital almost every month. I was a frequent visitor of the hospital when I was a child. I was always sick. That's why my parents made a 'panata' with the so-called Santa Cruz that every year until I reach the age of 25, my family would held some sort of prayer sessions in our house lead by the Catholic elders in our community. I broke that 'panata' when I was 16 years old, the time when I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and understood clearly that it was Jesus who healed me.
Living away from home shapes my transition to adulthood. Education is the primary reason why I choose to leave parental home which, at the end, is the key to uplifting the economic status of my family. Poverty is the major obstacle many Filipinos are facing up until today but I choose to rise above it. I continue to struggle for the attainment of my ambitions. Today, I am happy to see that one of my two younger brothers is now in his third year in college and the youngest will be entering college next year. I will continue to support them as long as I can. My experiences help me become mature in many areas. To some extent, I became independent. I learned how to stand on my own feet. I learned how to communicate well, build friendships and relationships and to depend solely on God. I realize that at the end of the day, there is a meaningful purpose of each event that is happening in my everyday life.
As a migrant here in Metro Manila, I could attest that Berja's main finding is true. It is a reality. Being born in a poor family, I know how hard it is to make a living in a rural area. Our municipality is considered 5th class. Gaisano Mall and Robinsons Mall (operated just last year) are located about 37 kilometers away from Tacloban City. About 99% of the people are farmers. In my tennage years, my family lived in a nipa hut - no electricity, so we didn't have any electric devices and equipment like TV. Even in the city, there are very few jobs available for thousands of newly graduates who are all seeking for decent work.
When I was in my elementary years, my father told me that my family could not afford to send me to college. So I was thinking, well, I would be spending my entire life tilling the soil. I kept on asking myself why my little barrio wasn't like the other good places I've seen on a neighbor's television shows/programs. I have seen the sacrifices of my parents and siblings. The burden was there.
Luckily, I graduated with flying colors in both elementary and high school. I felt proud of myself and for my family as I delivered my valedictory address (1998, elementary and 2002 in high school). The year 2002 has been a turning point in my life. I passed the coveted University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT). Actually, I was the only one who passed the exam in our school. With totally no exposure to urban life, I have to temporarily 'migrate' to Tacloban City for my college studies. That was my very first home-leaving experience. I spent four years of my life in Tacloban in different boarding houses. I stayed away from home primarily to study and not because I wanted residential independence. I pursued college education because I knew from the very start that a college diploma would help me land a job and finally help my financially struggling family. Armored with my ambitions and faith in God, I ventured in the unknown. I had a lot of fears and struggles, but I have overcame all these with the help of my supportive family and friends.
I was thinking that after I graduated from college, I would surely look for a job. But when I was studying in UP Tacloban, I've learned a lot of things and I was exposed to different ideas which would help me realize deeper and more important things later in my life. Education really shapes one's attitudes and perspectives. I decided to apply for a master's degree in UP Diliman (thanks to the help and encouragement of Prof. Hernanita Pelino, my sociology professor, and Prof. Ladylyn Lim-Mangada, my political science professor). And fortunately, I passed the entrance exam and the best thing was that my studies would be funded by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation. One of the provisions in the scholarship agreement was the prohibition from engaging in any type of employment. At first, my siblings were against my plan going to Manila to pursue my master's studies. They wanted me to immediately work and help them which was a legitimate and reasonable demand. They argued that I have already my college diploma so I have to work. They got angry, but I already made up my mind. I have bigger ambitions in life, and I was quite sure that this would greatly help them later on.
It was May 2006 when I enrolled in UP Diliman. Innocent as I was, I looked for a dormitory inside the campus. For two years, I stayed at Ipil Residence Hall and within that time frame, I finished all the coursework, i.e., academic units, required. I have already presented my thesis proposal. I began to associate myself with different types of people inside the university. After the scholarship agreement expired, I immediately looked for work. I did part-time tutorial work with Korean students. I also taught social science subjects in a computer college. And recently, I am working in a BPO industry. It is almost four years since I started my MA study, and I am still working on my thesis. My focus shifted from finishing my graduate thesis to earning money. I send money to my family every pay day. If you are working and studying at the same time, you will know what I am talking about.
For almost 12 years living on my own (by the way, I'm 24 years old now), you could imagine how I always missed my family. No mother who used to give me a medicine when I was sick. No more father who used to bring me to hospital almost every month. I was a frequent visitor of the hospital when I was a child. I was always sick. That's why my parents made a 'panata' with the so-called Santa Cruz that every year until I reach the age of 25, my family would held some sort of prayer sessions in our house lead by the Catholic elders in our community. I broke that 'panata' when I was 16 years old, the time when I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and understood clearly that it was Jesus who healed me.
Living away from home shapes my transition to adulthood. Education is the primary reason why I choose to leave parental home which, at the end, is the key to uplifting the economic status of my family. Poverty is the major obstacle many Filipinos are facing up until today but I choose to rise above it. I continue to struggle for the attainment of my ambitions. Today, I am happy to see that one of my two younger brothers is now in his third year in college and the youngest will be entering college next year. I will continue to support them as long as I can. My experiences help me become mature in many areas. To some extent, I became independent. I learned how to stand on my own feet. I learned how to communicate well, build friendships and relationships and to depend solely on God. I realize that at the end of the day, there is a meaningful purpose of each event that is happening in my everyday life.
AN HALBO NGA HAGNA
An Old Family Picture
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Dyes anyos na an nakakalabay. Tuig 1999. Trese anyos an ak panuigon. Duro an turo han uran. Makaharadlok nga kikilat ngan dalugdog. Alas dos pala han kulop pero baga na hin gab-i. Mahagkot hin duro. Baga ak hin sisip-onon ngan hihirantan. Ginkikit-an ko hi Tatay, singkwenta anyos na an panuigon, nga nagtutukdo hin usa ka burta nga inani nga humay. Tikang ha hagna, kinahanglan namon tambakon ha may harani han pinaka-highway nga dalan an am mga inani para matreser na. Harayo nam ginbibinaktas tikadto tikanhi. Hi Nanay nagtutukdo gihap hin burta hin humay. Halbo hin duro an hagna. Oppps! Nahipakulob hi JR, an puto ha magburugto, ikasiyam nga anak nira Tatay ngan Nanay. Mga sais anyos pala an iya panuigon hadto nga mga panahon. An iya tinukdo nga humay nagkahudlog ha kali. Diri hiya ginapaupod ha hagna pero mapirit gud nga bata. Baka hin ginkukunot an ak kasingkasing han mga hinkikit-an ko. Hi Marvin, an sumunod ha akon, in padayon la nga naglalakat para makaabot na hiya didto han tambakan han humay. Makakapahuway gihap hiya bisan pira la ka minuto. Karuyag ko tumuok. Maguol na. Pero damu pa an nakatambak nga mga uhay han humay ha hagna. Makaradlok pa an mga linta nga danay nadukot ha ak panit. Kay ano nga gin-anak kami nga pobre? Kunta nagin riko hira Tatay ngan Nanay. Bumagisbis ha ak mga mata an luha han kapobrehan. Ginkukurian hi Tatay pagtinukdo-tukdo. Diri na malinaw an iya mga mata. May katarata hiya. Hi Nanay bisan kon waray la reklamo, maaram ako nga gingugul-an na hiya. Nahipakulob ak hin pira ka beses. Puno hin lusak an lawas pati na an nawong. Nahangad ak ha langit ngan nagpapakiana ha Ginoo hin damu nga mga butang. Di ak maaram. Basta an ak nakadi ha huna, bubuhaton ko an ngatanan para diri na kami magtinukdo-tukdo hin mga humay ha halbo nga hagna.
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NEXT ARTICLE:
PROFILE: RICHARD "DICK" GORDON
The Booming Population of the Philippines
Photo Source
Photo Source1591---------0.7M
1799---------1.5M
1887---------6.0M
1898---------5.3M
1903---------7.6M
1939-------16.0M
1941-------17.0M
1960-------27.1M
1970-------36.7M
1975-------42.1M
1980-------48.1M
1990-------60.7M
1995-------68.6M
2000-------76.5M (latest official cencus)
2005-------85.3M (est.)
2007-------88.6M (est.)
2009-------92.2M (est.)
2040-----141.7M (NSO projection)
2040-----141.7M (NSO projection)
*All figures (except 2005 figure and the 2040 projection) are taken from http://www.wikipedia.org/.
** All figures are rounded to millionth for better understanding in the analysis.
** All figures are rounded to millionth for better understanding in the analysis.
From 666,712 people living in the Philippines in 1591 to 92,226,600 this year, the population increased by about 72% in 418 years. The population would continue to grow (unless the Philippine government would declare war against China or Japan, or many would die because of A(H1N1) virus, or our government would prohibit sex among Filipinos), and according to the projection made by the National Statistics Office, it would increase from 76.5 million in 2000 to 141.7 million in 2040. About 65.2 million people would be added to ever booming Philippine population between 2000 and 2040. There are 192 countries in the world (countries recognized by the United Nations), and our country ranks 12th among the most populous countries. All I can say is a BIG WOW! Our country has 300,000 square kilometers land area, so if we measure the population density, in 2040 there would be 472 people who will share each square kilometer! This is really a pain in the ass not only to our government but primarily to the ordinary Juan. How I wish our land area would also increase in size by 2040!
With big population comes with huge and unimaginable problems. A prime example here is the scarcity of food supply which leads to hunger. What percentage of Filipinos say they are poor? According to the self-rated survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) on the 1st quarter of 2009, about 47% of Filipino families consider themselves poor. Let's say the average size of the Filipino family is 4, then this equates to 43.32 million Juans who consider themselves poor. Follow the computation below for your reference on how I got this figure.
92.2 million population (2009)/4 persons per family = 23.05 million Filipino families in 2009
23.05 million families x 47% families who consider themselves poor = 10.83 million Filipino families who are poor = 10.83 milllion poor Filipino families x 4 persons per family = 43.32 million Filipinos out of 92.2 million population in 2009 who rated themselves as poor.
What are we doing then, especially the government to address this issue? This is quite alarming, isn't it? I just hope that the government would prioritize development especially in the far-flung areas. Basic services such as education and health should be delivered in all communities. Tama na po ang corruption. Pagod na si Juan sa kaliwa't kanan na iskandalo sa gobyerno.
