I Urge and I Plea

They say that poverty is not a hindrance to success. Yes, that must have been true but here is one thing that stirs my pessimist mind.

Last month, I was once on a mood to stroll and I found myself already walking along the seemingly endless sidewalk somewhere in the downtown. The joy within me turned out bitter later on. Lo and behold! My heart broke upon seeing three siblings who shared one plastic of rice and chunks of leftovers as their viand. Where were the parents of these innocent children? What has the government done in order to alleviate their needs? And the next question which prompted on my young mind is that how many youngsters should still be born so that there would have no starving street children at all?

Later that day, I had the chance to emcee a party in my school. I was in front of the elites- talked with them, shared laughs with them and ate delicious food with them. Some of them were local executives and councilmen- government leaders who were supposed to sit down and plan together for the eradication of poverty among their constituents. While we enjoyed every food we ate, more and more children, women, and men around the world suffer from hunger, and our locality is not an exception.

After that night, I went home with despair in my heart. I can no longer contain the pain. The party entertained me and brought a romantic sensation to me since once in a while, I was able to forget our situation at home. Many people observed how jolly and enthusiast I am in front of them. Here I am again, back into the melodramatic situation of the reality. The pain is almost unbearable. Although we were happy that time, there were many people who are in pain because they are hungry; they suffer from poverty.

Where was the government who was tasked of employing the basic services to its people? What has happened to their laws, policies and programs?

Why do we have to be poor? Why are we not like other well-off families? It sounds absurd but I actually reached to that point of blaming the injustices of reality.

How many times have I felt my hear as if pounded hard upon seeing those poor old beggars on the streets asking money from people as a source of their subsistence? How many times have I spared my peso-coins to some poor street children upon seeing their innocent faces and listening to their naïve pleas just to obtain some food.

If people were only given equal access to wealth…

On the other hand, the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that it is the duty of the state to protect its people by providing them equal access to public services. But the reality tells us that what was written in that written instrument 23 years ago remained unfulfilled. And there’s a slim chance that it would still be fulfilled considering the status quo of corruption.

More and more people get sick of poverty. The scenarios we observe everyday in our environment tell us that the government’s effort is still not enough. The radio and television news we hear and see everyday support the idea that poverty in this country is almost unbearable and should be treated seriously. If left unremedied, we will end up as poor as Bangladesh.

Poverty is a perennial problem in our society. We should take actions against it. The collective effort of the government and its people will surely guarantee a poverty-free Philippines. You and I, young and adults alike have a special responsibility in the uplifment of our cause against poverty. We should rise up and fight poverty.

I am fed with the worsening condition of poverty here. I no longer want to see young street children strolling down the streets subjected to danger. I no longer want to see inequalities here brought about by poverty. Above all, I want to see myself fighting actively against poverty and let it not be an obstacle for me to live a simple yet fruitful life.

Our situation can still be changed once we change our attitude towards the issue. As the famous principle in psychology says, and I quote: “Positive attitude changes the situation.” The government’s effort to fight poverty should be revitalized. The situations nowadays call for change. And I still believe that hope exists.

I am the youth of today. I belong to the recent generation and will be in the future of this country. I love my fatherland and I still stick to how Rizal described the youth like me- that I am the hope of my Fatherland. And I urge the government not to take us, the youth for granted. Help us realize our dreams and ideals of a better society. Leave us not.