Opportunities Over Dole-Outs

SOURCE: No Author (2008, June 8). Natn’l jobs program rather than dole-outs urged by center. Manila Bulletin, p. 13.

Which type of Filipino are you? The one that…
a) allows oneself to bum around;
b) rely on others for living;
c) finds greater opportunities overseas; or
d) works hard for your own country

I’ve met different Filipinos of working age across the world –-mostly reside in the Philippines, of course. I have the tendency to ask which they prefer: working here in the Philipines, working abroad, or not work at all. I got different answers but majority chose to work. Yet, not all of them are employed.

A lot of Filipinos are JOBLESS, being of the country’s major problems. Others would allow themselves to live that way since they think they’re hopeless. But that’s NOT the solution!! The Blas F. Ople Policy Center, a non-government organization involved in labor migration and employment issues, is persuading the government to have a nationwide employment program which will use Value-Added Tax (VAT) collections, for a better economy and promote self-reliance among Filipinos. They also mentioned that instead of a one-time cash subsidy for electricity, they will pursue labor-intensive projects for the lower sectors to educate the unemployed how they can earn for a living while helping the country.

It is disappointing that nowadays, more Filipinos are becoming OFWs. With the plan the center came up with, I think they should launch it right away. Why? So those that plan to leave the country for the purpose of finding better opportunities overseas may think twice and for those that don’t plan to employ themselves will be motivated to work.

Some people form the remote areas depend on DOLE-OUTS. But what good does it do to them? Nothing long term, I must say. Once stared, they continuously depend on it. With the means of the job program, it will provide hope and income to the Filipinos. Besides, the VAT used for this is what we spent for.

WHERE IS NATIONALISM?
Some of us might be blinded by this question. This project is our chance to “give back” to our country. Think about it, some OFWs become victims of illegal recruitment, or those we call TNTs (Tago nang Tago). If we stay here, such problem won’t occur. For the non-working Filipinos, there are more than just doing nothing. Explore… you’ll find a way.