Weekends with Archie

Revisiting Poverty in our Nation

March 15, 2008

I had this chance to answer a survey prepared by a college freshman, as a favor to Ros. ThisI just wanted to share because despite the absense of Theo 141 and other Ed Sessions of AtSCA, I was able to relive the things I believe in. The answers are actually quite relevant to current issues about our government and its system. I may not be as socially updated as before but I continue to promote fairness, equality and most of all the expression of truth.

Do you think business activities can help reduce poverty? 

Yes

Do you think of poverty as a factor that affects businesses? 

Yes

Do you think that the poverty situation of the Philippines is affecting the productivity of your business? 

Yes, financial capability of consumers.

Is it possible that poverty affect business activities positively?

Yes, when there is a need out of circumstances of poverty which your business provides (e.g. gwapotel by MMDA that caters to those who cannot afford high-priced stay-in amenities).

Do you think that poverty is also caused by businesses? How can businesses cause poverty?

Yes, if the business is anti-poor, meaning it takes advantage of those in need and the result is making them more in need (e.g. 5/6 loaning system)

Do you think business alone can eliminate poverty?

Poverty is a multi-faceted problem and it cuts across different social classes. Poverty exists because of institutionalized social structures. Business alone won’t solve the problem. There must be a coordinated and sustainable action addressing different areas like education, economics, the government system, etc. However at a fundamental level, the action must come from a revolution of thought, values and principles.

What is your personal view about the action being done by the government to reduce poverty?

There are on-going projects by the government to address the perennial problem of poverty however they are not sustainable. Most of the projects, if not all, combat the effects of poverty alone, and they rather fail to significantly address the very core factors. On top of that, existing corruption further intensifies the problem by institutionalizing unfair allocation of resources and unequal opportunities. What’s scary actually is that we are now slowly blinded about what’s corrupt and what’s not. Personally, a revolution must take place – more importantly a moral one, rather than a sensationalized coercion.

 


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