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Monday, April 28, 2008
Church opposes monetary aid for poor families
MANILA -- The Catholic Church on Sunday expressed objection to the new program of the Arroyo government giving monetary assistance to the identified poor families in the country.
Bangued, Abra Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian, in their meeting with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral, said it was explained that the monetary assistance would only be on a "temporary" basis in order to help the poor families in the region cope with the rising cost of commodities and the rice shortage.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
Bishop Jaucian, however, said the move "would just encourage dependency to the government."
"Some of the poor families might become dependent. The government should think of a long-term solution to the problem like livelihood program," he said.
According to Jaucian, there are 6,000 families that were chosen as recipients of the P500 monetary assistance in Abra Province.
Like Jaucian, Caritas Manila executive director Fr. Anton Pascual is opposing the program, saying it is actually an anti-poor program created by the government.
"In due respect to the government, I think the idea to give pure dole-out money will give the poor no dignity, breed the culture of dependency and anti-development to our poor countrymen. Thus, it will not effectively eradicate poverty," Pascual said.
Pascual noted that it would be better if the program was conceptualized not based on just handing out money to the poor but making them earn it "somehow" even with the littlest efforts.
"I suggest that the poor earn their subsidies by employing them as street sweepers, canal sanitizers, tree planters and garbage collectors. In this way, they will have to earn for their keeps. There is dignity there," the priest said.
Pascual also suggested that the poor be convinced to attend seminars and other educational assemblies.
"Pay them to attend seminars on livelihood, skills training, responsible parenthood and micro-entrepreneurship. They can also help in the awareness for values formation, environment care and other church-based advocacies," he stressed.
The prelate said having the people undergo such efforts will not only dignify them but it will also help them become educated citizens.
Reports came out that the National Government has been giving monetary assistance to the identified poor families in the 20 poorest areas in the country since January.
The program allows the poor families to receive P500 subsidized-money from the government with an additional P300 for every child being sent to school. (MSN/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Manila. (April 28, 2008 issue)
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