“Why is the Philippines Poor?”

November 4, 2006

AUGUST 21, 1200 – 1300 HRS

EPISODE 4

 

KAHIRAPAN NG PILIPINAS: ATING PAG-USAPAN!

“Why is the Philippines Poor?”

 

Voice Out!           The question, “Bakit nga ba mahirap ang Pilipinas?” just popped out in one of the gathering of people in Malacanang palace during the International Youth Day. So we decided to talk about the prevailing poverty in the country for Saturday’s episode back on our original timeslot, 12 – 1PM. Days after the program, no less than President Gloria Arroyo declares and admits that the “country is at the midst of a fiscal crisis”. Talk about foresight.

With the data from National Statistical Coordination Board (thanks to Ms. Redencion Ignacio), we got to know how a family or a person falls below the poverty line. In year 2002, a family of five needed Php 4961 a month to acquire basic needs. The latest figures show that in the year 2000, there are 26.5 million poor individuals in the country.

 

Bilib Kami Sa’yo:  We paid tribute to Redford Diquiros and Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. Unfortunate death is not the only thing they have in common. Both of them have shown the fullest brilliance of their youth and served as an inspiration for their fellows. Redford, was the District 3790 Rotaract Representative covering Ilocos to Cordillera Region. He was an exceptional and passionate servant leader, who was never really recognized. But his greatest achievement as a youth leader was to bring the first ever contingent of United Nations to Cavite to showcase the activeness of the Youth. As a friend and colleague, he exemplified the strength of spirit. Days prior to this broadcast, Redford died of Leukemia. He never told the truth to his peers, for them not to worry. During his last moment and with his last ounce of strength, Redford wrote, “wag n’yo akong i-embalsamo, ipacremate nyo ako,” to show that he was ready to go. Thank you Pocholo and Michael Noel Tolentino of Rotar Act Club East Rover Paranaque (Youth Arm of Rotary Club) for sharing your personal encounters with Redford.

Who wouldn’t know of Ninoy’s wit, intelligence, bravery and heroism? But before all that, Ninoy was also a young student taking his chances in journalism. His first attempt at fifteen years of age, he was dumped. Thanks to Max Soliven. (Source: Good-bye Superboy! Farewell to the last Romantic). But the confidence of youth exuded until Ninoy became the youngest war journalist correspondent in Korea. Not to mention the youngest politician and government official during his time. After that, as they say, the rest is history.  

 

Join Ka Dito:  

 

Kristianong Kabataan Para sa Bayan Movement (KKB)

 

Al Ian Barcelona gave a live report on the ongoing planning and leadership meeting the Kristianong Kabataan Para sa Bayan Movement. KKB, sixteen years ago was founded by Bro. Eddie Villanueva. The current chairman of KKB is CIBAC partylist Representative Joel Villanueva.  It is a Christian youth movement whose mission is to inspire the youth to live for Christ and to offer the pioneers of their lives to God and Country. The youth should have true service for God to be able to serve the country.

          Ian is the director for external affairs of KKB. They are currently focused on school evangelism and youth fellowship. KKB is also involved in nation building, outreach and educational programs as part of their thrust in youth empowerment and recharging. To date, there are 30,000 members of KKB nationwide aside from its international chapter, Christian Youth for the Nations. The vision of KKB is to become a dynamic youth movement transforming young people worldwide through the full Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ for righteousness and excellent leadership in the Church and the Nation. The national headquarters of KKB could be reached through the telephone 736-5559, while its youth center is located at the 4^th floor of Alpha Building Gastambide St. Sampaloc Manila.

 

Rotar Act Club (Youth Arm of Rotary Club)

 

Michael Noel Tolentino of Rotar Act Club East Rover Paranaque re-introduced to us the Youth partners in service of the Rotary International whose membership ranges from 18 to 30 years of age. Every individual and youth orgs who want to make a difference is encouraged to join the Rotar Act clan. Rotary International could help fulfill projects through their resources and sponsorship. The four avenues of service of the organization are vocational and professional, club, community and the international service. Contact local rotary clubs to sponsor your group just commit your activeness in return or log on to their website www.rotarctrover.tripod.com.

 

          The First Philippine National Rotar Act Convention will be held at Baguio Cap convention center on January 21 to 23, 2005. All youth organizations are invited. Michael just came from HongKong for the Asia Pacific Regional Rotar Act Conference and even the international chapters have committed for the upcoming event.

 

          VOTY is proud to announce that we have grabbed the Global Youth In Action Award (GIAN Award) 2004 from ten thousand applicants all over the world. VOTY is once again recognized as one of the best youth organizations worldwide. VOTY goes hand in hand with New York based - GIAN whose main thrust is to provide information and opportunities for the Youth and to encourage them to believe that their ideas can become reality.

 

Ribyu sa Radyo:

 

          Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – was not a commercial success in the local box office but definitely a must-see movie of the year. Not only for the sheer value of the actors (Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, and Elijah Wood) but also for it’s innovation in story telling.

 

                   Book Review: The Little Prince by Antoine de St. Exupery. The perfect book for starters, for it’s simplicity and innocence yet profound messages. 

                  

Editorial:

 

So why are we poor? Suzette was quick to blame Corruption in Government, wrong tax collection scheme, which is unanimously agreed upon by your Katinigs. Pocholo said a huge chunk of government funds and debts just go to corruption. For Lloyd, “an individual doesn’t see his personal prosperity as the prosperity of the nation as a whole”.  

But we also agreed that “blaming” would not alleviate poverty. In hindsight, we are really responsible for one another.

What is the youth supposed to do? Choy says “kung ano ang ginagawa ng Kabataan ngayon, yun ang pundasyon sa kinabukasan. That’s why, we should make the most out of it.” Jeif suggests that young professionals should live by their means and must not aspire immediately for fat salaries. Michael quotes the adage “Hindi kasalanan ang ipanganak nang mahirap, ngunit kasalanan ang mamamatay ng mahirap”.

The challenge of this LKTKR episode is for the youth not to become a part of the poverty statistics and to consider their individual success as the success of the nation as well.

 

-          Peace out - Emsie