by Dags Miguel
Despite the recent improvements in the economy of the Philippines, the reality is that the country is still plagued with poverty. The government, foreign aid and even the private sector has long been trying to address the issue, and one of their known methods is resettlement and mass housing.
Despite the recent improvements in the economy of the Philippines, the reality is that the country is still plagued with poverty. The government, foreign aid and even the private sector has long been trying to address the issue, and one of their known methods is resettlement and mass housing.
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| Photo Credit: focusonpoverty.org |
Philippine Government's Plan on Resettlement
According to the website of the National Housing Authority (NHA), "The program, directed by the national leadership, involves relocation and resettlement of families residing in or along danger areas in Metro Manila particularly those along waterways such as creeks, rivers, and esteros. It is undertaken mainly through in-city multi-storey housing development utilizing government-owned land." President Aquino and the NHA plans to spend P50 Billion for 100,000 families until Aquino's final year in 2016.
These plans have been underway since the start of Aquino's administration and have even been getting much attention from the press and social media. A report by GMA News posted this photo online regarding one of the projects of the NHA:
These plans have been underway since the start of Aquino's administration and have even been getting much attention from the press and social media. A report by GMA News posted this photo online regarding one of the projects of the NHA:
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| Photo of a fully furnished unit for informal settlers at a relocation area in Balagtas, Bulacan. Photo Credit: Jun Veneracion from GMA News |
According to reports, President Aquino and the NHA's plan is to specifically target urban poor families who have been living along the waterways in Metro Manila, in areas considered dangerous and critical areas for flooding and have them relocated in furnished homes (as seen in the picture above), families deeply affected each and every year during monsoon season.
The photo reported by GMA News reflects the 4,500 units already built by the NHA in Bulacan. Plans of 3,500 units more are already in place in key Metro Manila cities for a total of 8,000 units. As described by the NHA, Instead of spending and allocating public resources for search and rescue and evacuation plans each and every year, the government has in turn focused to a much more improved resettlement and housing program. The President and even the NHA plans to offer P18,000 to 20,000 families located residing in critical flood prone areas for them to 1) temporarily find accommodation, and 2) to encourage them to finally depart from the said critical areas, all during a proposed 12-month period. In that same time, the government would resettle the families permanently as soon as projects like that in Bulacan are finalized and completed.
The photo reported by GMA News reflects the 4,500 units already built by the NHA in Bulacan. Plans of 3,500 units more are already in place in key Metro Manila cities for a total of 8,000 units. As described by the NHA, Instead of spending and allocating public resources for search and rescue and evacuation plans each and every year, the government has in turn focused to a much more improved resettlement and housing program. The President and even the NHA plans to offer P18,000 to 20,000 families located residing in critical flood prone areas for them to 1) temporarily find accommodation, and 2) to encourage them to finally depart from the said critical areas, all during a proposed 12-month period. In that same time, the government would resettle the families permanently as soon as projects like that in Bulacan are finalized and completed.
The Public's Reaction
In response to the news, Filipinos turned to social media: facebook and twitter, to voice out their opinion regarding these developments. Here are a couple of reactions and comments on the photo posted by GMA News:
- "Yung tax ko napunta sa mga taong di nagbabayad ng tax." (My taxes are going to people who do not pay tax.) -Ma Niq
- "Sana naging informal settler na lang ako." (I wish I became an informal settler.) -Dan Ramos
- "This is what I call Social Injustice... Its either lupa mo ang pinag squattan then u cant just drive them away, ur oblige to provide a home for them or the government is forced to provode housing for non taxpayers? Paano naman kmi na below middle class at nagsusunog ng kilay pra mangupahan?" (So either they squat on your land and you can't drive them away... How about us below middle class trying to work hard for rent?) -Faye Mapoy
So it seems, justice doesn't reflect much for Filipinos who seem to feel that they strive and work hard day-in and out for their families welfare, only to see others get the "free pass", the benefit of taxation. The Filipino taxpayer is asking the government, is this the best way to address poverty? Are my taxes being allocated to the proper strategy? Should tax be budgeted in this manner of taking care of the poor? Is it right for the government to spend resources to people who "do not contribute to the growth of the economy"? Should taxes be allocated elsewhere instead?
How Jesus Dealt with the Marginalized
So how did Christ himself deal with this issue? How did he relate with people deemed "outcasts" of society? What principles can be draw from his example and his teaching? For that, we look at an example from scripture:
"Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." -Luke 14:12-14 (NIV)
This is what Jesus expected from his followers. They were to do the socially unthinkable and be able to invite an outcast into their homes, at a most important social event in their society, Jesus wanted the privileged to look after the less fortunate.
In another instance, he rebuked church leaders and the people in general by how he took action himself, being with the needy themselves, and not just simply teaching and preaching principles:
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”" -John 8:2-11 (NIV)
2) Partner With Them! Support and help out organizations that give opportunities for the poor! Have you heard of Liberty Street Clothing? They're helping out survivors from challenging backgrounds through a sustainable business. Ask them how you can help them out! Check out their facebok: facebook.com/LibertyStreetClothing.
If housing is one way we can indirectly address poverty, then maybe we can make a much bigger step not just simply as taxpayers but as a compassionate people. Let us understand their situation and be with them, interact with them, to experience what it is like in their shoes. Then just maybe, we will all be able to fully grasp and understand and to make more sense ethically and morally what seems illogical and unthinkable.
Reflection & Thoughts on the Matter
What do you personally feel about this issue? We would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts on the matter by commenting on the "comments section" below.
Sources:
"Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." -Luke 14:12-14 (NIV)
This is what Jesus expected from his followers. They were to do the socially unthinkable and be able to invite an outcast into their homes, at a most important social event in their society, Jesus wanted the privileged to look after the less fortunate.
In another instance, he rebuked church leaders and the people in general by how he took action himself, being with the needy themselves, and not just simply teaching and preaching principles:
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”" -John 8:2-11 (NIV)
This did not happen just once. This was how Jesus showed how he truly loved all people regardless of their background. Time and again, Jesus spent time talking to tax collectors, to adulterers and prostitutes, spent time conversing with them, eating with them and being with them (Luke 15:1-2; Luke 19:7; Matthew 9:10-11). He chose to love the seemingly unlovable, those rejected by society, those poorest of the poor both status and in moral standing, in order to give his followers an example to follow.
What You Can Do
So for us today, how can we help? How can we go beyond ourselves? What You Can Do
1) Get to Know Them! Find an organization where intentional outreaches are being done to the marginalized and see how you can get to know them more intimately. Ever heard of Habitat for Humanity and Gawad Kalinga? Volunteer and see what you can do! Experience how it's like, hear their stories as you build side by side with men and women who are trying their best to help themselves out of poverty.
2) Partner With Them! Support and help out organizations that give opportunities for the poor! Have you heard of Liberty Street Clothing? They're helping out survivors from challenging backgrounds through a sustainable business. Ask them how you can help them out! Check out their facebok: facebook.com/LibertyStreetClothing.
If housing is one way we can indirectly address poverty, then maybe we can make a much bigger step not just simply as taxpayers but as a compassionate people. Let us understand their situation and be with them, interact with them, to experience what it is like in their shoes. Then just maybe, we will all be able to fully grasp and understand and to make more sense ethically and morally what seems illogical and unthinkable.
Reflection & Thoughts on the Matter
What do you personally feel about this issue? We would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts on the matter by commenting on the "comments section" below.
Sources:
the government is praiseworthy for its burden but they have missed the fundamental foundation of societal transformation. they seek to restore peoples decency, but not their dignity. they give houses but do not arm them with necessary worldview and skills to maintain the houses they provide. yea, i'll go there, bye stinky, risky below the bridge shanty. then euphoria for a new house. weeee... owww, yeheeee! but what about next week, next month, next year. they would just sell them for bread and go back to shanties. why not allow and support Christian organizations to minister to them. resettlement is just a new environment for the old wicked heart. they will just make shanties out of the good housing project. life transformation is an arena where Christian workers would excel. we do not just help them get removed from shanties, we remove shanties out of their hearts and point to them heavenly palaces by having relation ship with God through Christ.
ReplyDeleteI would like to think that the govt. knows they can't fight this fight alone. I would like to believe that they have indeed given the church and even the private sector the means and opportunities to address the concern through other means and initiatives. How about the church? Would you say that it needs to do more? Or is it already doing enough? I would like to think that even as a church we have so much more to offer still. I thank God that IGSL has allowed me to experience through TAM how our public school system needs all the help it can get, and that hopefully our contribution even in that one school, would change lives of the future of our country, the youth.
DeleteThis is an ancient issue in our country, the government has all the plans to address it to solve it in a nice and diplomatic ways, but the problem of it is the motives behind, the solutions are temporal, I think if Christians will truly involve in this process we can make a difference, we should have a clear positions and goal to help with these people.
ReplyDeleteIndeed you are right. Another issue affecting this for the past how many years is the problems in corruption, bribery, extortion and poor business practices. Even some friends I know have gone on to say that "its okay that our politicians are corrupt, as long as I see development and change in our nation." That in itself, that we have become a nation tolerant of injustice by the form of corruption, needs to change. If we desire transformation, even the Filipino people and not just officials, need to be transformed. Like I asked John in his post, what do you think about the church's role in this problem? Are we already able to address this issue? Why and why not? As for me, a lot can still be done.
DeleteThis is a huge improvement from what we have seen in the past.
ReplyDeleteTo comment on those who are indignant on housing the informal settlers, I think their presupposition is still that the poor are poor because they are lazy. This is a proven fallacy. You'll realize this especially if you're able to live amongst them and see the desperate need to help them break away from the bondage of poverty. Many of the so called poorest of the poor strive to work and yet cannot escape because of the corrupted system of debt, exploitation and the like.
On the government side, I think the shortcoming is on discernment and sustainability. I have visited relocation sites in Bulacan and Marikina. The communities who lived along the railways in Manila moved there. They were provided with land, and homes, however the land was also a risk for the thousands relocated, for it sits on a catch basin which caused disaster during Ondoy.
Moreover I'm not sure about the long-term sustainability. Informal settlers are within the city because they work in the city. Once moved to their relocation sites, they now have to commute to their workplaces and jobs. The transportation fare then would not be affordable for them. Why put the poor in residences far from their jobs if they cannot afford it, while the rich who can afford gasoline are given priority (most informal settlers are relocated to build malls and condos). Unless the government guarantees jobs in those far away places these might not be sustainable either.
On a final note, we must look back at the church and it's role to be a transforming agent to society. By transformation we mean holistic transformation, and not simply focusing on the "eternal" and "spiritual". The church must be reminded of its role as God's chosen community that demonstrates what it is like to live in God's Kingdom and under the Lordship of Christ. We must demonstrate in this world what it is like to live in the Shalom that God intended in the beginning (Gen 1-2) and plans to restore in the end (Rev 21).
We do this by demonstrating the three roles that was similarly demonstrated by Christ in Scripture. The Church is to demonstrate the reign of Christ as King (bringing the Kingdom's reign to them), His role as Priest (mediating the society to God), and as a Prophet (engaging in the societal issues)*.
*Magay, Melba "Transforming Society"
Thanks for the comment bro.
DeleteIndeed if that is the case that even the relocation sites are not well planned, then the effort would have been wasted. But I would like to believe there was ample study done, but maybe still insufficient because like you said, if employment was considered but the govt., then relocation is only just a part of the solution and plan in truly being able to alleviate poverty for these 100,000 families.
I also agree with what you said, the church needs to provide transformation by providing true tangible effort (medical relief, small business and training opportunities, education) which I believe is already being done by a number of believers and churches. However, we can do more.
Corie Miguel
ReplyDeleteI support the government in its quest to address the issue of poverty through the use of our taxes in relocating poor families from their present homes along danger zones. This will not only save them from danger but will also alleviate their poor living conditions. The new environment will be more conducive in raising their growing children. However, the proper implementing rules and regulations (IRR) should be established first. I also believe that this is not the government's battle alone. The church should also do its part together with the private sector.
As an employee of the Lopez Group of Companies, I am a witness to how the Lopez Group Foundation, Inc. (LGFI) headed by Ms. Gina Lopez, is doing its own share as part of the group's CSR. She has provided a decent relocation site in Calauan, Laguna for relocated families from Sta. Ana, Manila. She also provided livelihood training programs for the housewives and even reached out to business establishments for support by patronizing their products.
Indeed implementing rules and regulations need to be clear. I remember stories and previous reports that these relocated families would still tend to go back to Manila and find new homes because of proximity to work, and also because some of them put up their housing unit for rent. Hopefully the govt does a better job in implementing these developments.
DeleteRen Aquino
ReplyDeleteThe Bible always tells us that we will suffer for following Christ, I believe that but sometimes we take that only on a personal level. We tend to just limit following Christ to our personal lives that we forget about the bigger picture. I agree that what the government is doing is pretty much what Christ would have done. They are reaching out to the poorest of the poor and giving them a chance for something more than their sub-human, not even for animals, environments. And the flack they are getting for this project is in reality is the suffering Christ is talking about. Like Christ, he wants us to not just radically change our personal lives but also to rattle society's status quo which creates more poverty.
And on another level, this is exactly what government should be doing. Looking out for the poor... no, not just the poor but anyone in need. We need to remember that they are in danger zones and not looking for a way to clear those is deadly for the rich and poor alike when the rain falls.
That's the thing with suffering, for those who cannot comprehend who God is will never be able to connect life circumstance with God's goodness and sovereignty. This is where aside from the govt., the church's role is crucial. We need to be able to help out in the effort to help out in whatever way we can both through traditional methods (medical missions, tutorial for the young etc) and even through newer more long-term efforts especially for those who have the means (micro-financing to help families start their own business, provide employment).
DeleteMartin Lim
ReplyDeleteI think that it's a great idea on the government's part! It's wonderful that some of the taxes are allotted to projects like this that cater to the poor. One thing I do wonder about is how long will this project take to reach it's ultimate goal? We're talking about a large amount of people and whole communities who live in the critical areas. That's a lot of taxes, time to build, and relocating families. I like the idea because it gives families a means to live in conditions where their basic shelter needs are satisfied and at the same time secure in terms of location. In a Christian perspective, I believe it fulfills one of God's commands in serving the poor. However, it should just stop there in my opinion. Don't the people also need the gift of Salvation most of all? I would suggest that a ministry should partner up with the likes of Habitat For Humanity to help give people homes and at the same time minister to them because giving wholeheartedly to me would be a great example to the poor and evidence of a transformed life. The project itself is already good in my opinion but has so much more potential to be something greater.
Andrew Rota
ReplyDeleteI've realized and accepted that when I agreed to pay my taxes to the government I no longer can complain how they use it, except when they are just using my money for personal use. It's like when I offer to the church I don't worry on what ministries and expenses they allocate my offerings to. I can only pray that God will give wisdom to government officials and that government officials will look out for the good of the people and not just of their own. With regards to the poor, yes we should give extra compassion to them and more ministry efforts to them as well. A lot of them are already deprived of enough food, and a dignified shelter. We can offer them hope and better living when Christians will not just share to them the Gospel of Jesus but also offer better livelihood for them.
John Paul P. Kabuhat
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I see a different angle. I see our country developing and our leaders attempting to be noble. And it is always a leadership trait to praise people for their good intentions and fan it into flames. Our government now has a little to spend more than before, our economy is getting better and our leaders are trying to be off use. Like a child learning how to tie his shoe laces, we do not expect them to perfect it for the first time. But as concerned and loving folks, we celebrate the effort and the intention to be independent in tying one's own shoe laces.
As for me, I think the government is empowered enough to use the country funds to alleviate the poor as part of its mandate to be sovereign.
I think that when we do pay taxes to the government, it is because it is up to them already how they will use it. But when this issue came out, it is understandable that most of the people who pay taxes feel slighted because the money used to build those houses came out of their taxes. I personally cannot give judgment on those people who spoke up and said their thoughts on the matter. But one thing that came to me was Romans 13. in the part wherein that there is no authority apart from God and he has put the reigning authorities in their place. As a Christian, we can see that our government officials are there for a reason, God put them there and we can be sure that God works out everything for good. For me, the only thing i can do is to just trust him because he is God. And i also believe that we should be happy for the people who will be getting a place to live because aren't we supposed to give to those in need? For me, as a church we should also try to visit those places and do ministry and medical missions there. I think we could do a lot of good for those people who really need it if we can just see them as people in need rather than people who got a new place to live without paying for it.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the common word for Justice to many is equality. However, I don't think that's what it meant to be. For Justice is a reflection of Truth and Grace. Yes, I like that idea. However it will be a transformational if the government will strengthen first the inner Housing of the people's morale than to give then external housing without strengthening the morale of the people. It's my prayer that it will be a smooth transition of presidency so that this projects will continue to help more people...
ReplyDeleteThe bible instructs us to obey those in authority. I'd rather that government spend our taxes on the poor and the needy than seeing it to their personal pockets.
ReplyDeleteI don't know the tax system of Philippines but I know that there is equality in God's Kingdom. There are different approaches that we can restore the lives of poors and provinces. The major problem of the Philippines is capitalism. The capitalism is taking place in every sector of Philippines. That’s why poor become a poor and rich become a rich. There is vast gap in between them. The fact is the economy of Philippines is growing but not in the house of poor. In the rich circle that can pay tax accordantly. We can say churches also running after it rather than restoring people of street and poverty. The kingdom of God’s principle: 1st Principle is Economical – Social transformation, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise"(Luke 3: 10-11). 2nd Principle is Political- Social Transformation, "Collect no more than you are authorized to do" (Luke 3: 12-13). And 3rd Principle is Government -Social Transformation, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages"(Luke 3:14-15).
ReplyDeleteAs a Christian nation of Asia, Philippines Christian should introduce this principle to restore the poor people of urban and beyond. Etc.
Well, the government had been doing a lot of things based on its "Tuwid na Daan" vision. Let's continue to pray that the road will lead to God's plan. Yes, we must get involved, know people, and find ways for us to be problem-solvers. This can be easily done when we start with being clear with what God wants to do for us.
ReplyDeleteThe government can't do everything. There are other social institutions that must realize that they should get involved "with a heart." :-)
Unless we are fully aware of the capitalism that dominates our minds and our society, nothing much would change. The rich would just get richer while the poor will just multiply. The higher-ups will continue to be lenient with laws while horrifically, be tolerated by our masses. The Sun will (metaphorically speaking) continue to further scorch those Blue-Collar workers who toil with honest intentions.
ReplyDeleteThe solution the Government offers is indeed something noteworthy, but then again, it's just another temporary way out. A band-aid solution. Offering 18,000 pesos to 20,000 only temporarily patches things up, but what these illegal settlers really need is a formidable education, housing near transportation hubs, and a proper implementation of the law.
Though, what we should know, is that the Government is racing with time. The real question is: when will it be before the ultimate solution be put to action?