The 4Ps and the poor mind

Perhaps many Filipinos would feel thankful knowing that the Philippine government through the Department of Finance signed last November 28, 2019 a $300-million loan agreement with the World Bank to provide additional funding for the government’s program especially the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). But one thing which must seriously be observed despite being grateful for this news, how we wish given action by morally good officials, is an updated list of the beneficiaries in every LGU which may help perhaps lessen the tendency of persons in authority of becoming part of the hierarchy of corrupt officials.

One of the common issues that can be heard from any of those who are trusted to record the names is that even those beneficiaries who were long dead already are still in the list. How come their budgets are still alive in the hands of many officials in this land when they are supposed to be enjoying their richness in heaven? How updated is the new list? Sad to know that out of sickness and poverty, some beneficiaries can no longer enjoy this program but their names are still enjoyed by corrupt persons in authority.

Another thing which should be asked where to blame or should anyone be blamed is the slow decrease of the poor family who gets out of poverty. There is 4Ps from the government but it seems like there are still many Filipinos who cannot afford to eat three times a day which also results in malnourished children and jobless parents who only enjoy a life of pregnancy and big family. Who should be blamed? Or should we not blame anyone because life is naturally a matter of imperfections and challenges?

As an educator, I believe that educational background also matters when it comes to people’s choice of way of living. Perhaps, being unfortunate in education mostly bring someone a poor decision in life but I believe being uneducated doesn’t guarantee one will become evil or a criminal. Sometimes, people like them become greater than those who got a proper education. However, some instance in life is that the more you are ignorant of what is basic, the smaller the world you are living in. This is what I always remind to read good books. At least fantasy, memoir, a biography of someone, or any genre, they will be able to see another world out there which is far better to live and better to include in ones’ choices.

So why then are a lot of us are still poor despite the 4Ps and other government programs? Two views for me, the rich mind fools the poor mind through positions and power that's why they corrupt, and a poor mind who only thinks of poor choices in life that's why being poor can also be a choice.

Edmer John Caballes

Cebu City