A forgotten nation

(First published online on January 18, 2008)

One of the greatest challenges that a state or government can face is the extensive poverty across the nation. Unfortunately, this kind of challenge is present at different places around the world.

Sad to know that in Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries around the world, some families can’t do anything on their situation. Sad to find out that some people are dying because of too much hunger. But the saddest part is the reality itself that as an ordinary individual, I can’t really do anything but to imagine and pity them on how they suffer for their lives as if living in hell.

Another sad reality is that years from now, I can predict that we can be like Ethiopia. I would have to blame it on some of our selfish duly elected officials. If our politicians will continue to think of themselves rather than of the welfare of the masses, Philippines will also be a forgotten nation.

According to the latest survey, 70% of the Filipinos are already suffering from poverty. Nevertheless, this issue is truly alarming because our government is like telling us that this problem isn’t important. While these officials are currently debating over their budget for pork barrel, (as shown in the news) they are not being futuristic and that their only concerns are the only things that they can see or what the media are showing them. This also proves that their promises during the campaign period are just wasted and broken.

Actually, poverty can be seen everywhere. Even in the richest city in the country, you can still notice some squatters residing in the area. People are up to looking for some solutions but the truth is that the solutions that they were giving were just temporary and will not really be for a lifetime.

As an ordinary individual, I can’t do anything now but to voice out my opinion, and instill to the minds of every people that we are currently facing a major problem. This is now the time when we should act and unite as one for the benefit of everybody.

It is not yet late that if we act now, we still save ourselves from the great danger that we are into. It is not yet late that if we act now, we can still make our country a better nation.