Tuesday, May 15, 2007 Speak out: Unique way of spending the pork barrel By Percival de la Torre
OUR poor people need not wait until the budget is balanced by 2010 to be able to enjoy what government has been saying publicly every now and then as “economic pay back” or “trickle down effect” of a supposedly surging economy.
Thus, my proposal on how to spend part of our lawmakers’ pork barrel is letting the underprivileged that comprise the majority of the population have a piece of the nation’s economic pie “now.”
That could very well transform every nook and cranny in the country into vibrant communities.
Scolarships
Consider the following:
1. Scholarship for deserving high school graduates unable to pursue a college degree.
Funding 100 scholars in the 250 congressional districts (30 for each congressman and 70 for each senator) translates to 25,000 students every year.
In monetary terms, the annual outlay from the pork barrel would be P6 million and P14 million respectively (P200,000 per scholar for a four-year course).
2. Education centers (free) for pre-school children of low income individuals.
The free education centers for poor pre-school children will not require the construction of buildings as these can be located within the premises of every barangay hall.
Classes are to be held three times a week with morning and afternoon classes.
Expenditures are for the purchase of learning materials/healthy snacks for the children and honoraria for two volunteer-teachers.
Squatters relocation
3. Relocation of squatters to beautify the neighborhood.
The relocation of squatters is primarily the task of local government units (LGUs).
However, due to financial constraints, majority of LGUs are not in a position to fully implement this undertaking.
Hence, contribution from the pork barrel would come in handy for this worthy purpose.
4. Various livelihood projects for the elderly and disabled.
Providing suitable work to the elderly and disabled persons would not only give them a source of income but would draw them back into the mainstream of the community where once again they will become useful members.
5. Infrastructure to prevent the deterioration of the community and to attract investors.
Good access roads, extensive light/ water facilities, proper drainage/ garbage control, etcetera would promote business growth that in turn will provide jobs.
Teaching programs
6. Computer and English teaching programs for the out-of-school youth.
Teaching programs for the out-of-school youth likewise can be carried out within the premises of the barangay hall and would go a long way in distracting these idle young men and women from the dangers of drug addiction, pre-marital sex, alcoholism and other forms of destructive lifestyle as well as providing them the necessary tools to be optimistic of their future.
Loans
7. Entrepreneur loans (interest free) to poor families.
Non-collateral interest-free loans up to a maximum P10,000 for a term of five years with installment payment of the principal at P1,000 every six months for viable small business venture would surely revive the cottage industry that was prevalent in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
One thousand borrowers (300 for each congressmen and 700 for each senator) from every congressional district translate to 250,000 new entrepreneurs every year.
The relative annual cost from the pork barrel is P3 million and P7 million respectively.
Implementing these is somewhat a new approach to utilizing the congressional pork barrel that would require the 24 senators to divide the 250 congressional districts among themselves and in tandem with the congressmen of said districts.
Necessary action guidelines and procedures should be put in place.
Completion
And it should be noted that its full completion will still leave a substantial balance of their pork barrel that the lawmakers can spend for whatever pet projects they have in blueprint or have promised to their constituents.
