Why are we poor? (Why are we happy)
By Rose Fres Fausto (The Philippine Star) | Updated January 15, 2014 -
12:00am
An enormous 55% of Filipinos consider themselves poor! That is according
to the SWS survey conducted in the last quarter of 2013. However, based
on the 2012 poverty statistics released by the National Statistical
Coordination Board, which examined various monetary and non-monetary
measures of poverty in the country, only 19.7% were poor. Before we
conclude that there was a dramatic increase in poverty, we should
highlight the main difference in the surveys. The former (55%) was a
self-assessment while the latter (19.7%) was based on monetary and
non-monetary measures.
I am not going to delve on the accuracy of the measures of poverty but I
wish to discuss a very fundamental truth about poverty. Poverty is a
mindset. It is not so much about not having food, clothing and shelter
but a debilitating hopelessness to improve one's financial condition.
And I find it alarming that more than half of our countrymen are in this
situation because I know how powerful the mind is: Whether you think you
can or you cannot, you are right!
A lot of people have given their opinions on what our government is
doing wrong left and right so I will just focus on my observations about
our culture that propagates this poverty mindset. It is noteworthy that
even if some of these attributes are positive at the outset, they could
also bring about propagation of poverty.
1. Generally speaking, Filipinos are meek and humble. It's always good
to be humble but the problem is when we overdo the meekness. The typical
Pinoy will not assert his convictions and goals. Among the things I
always hear are "Hindi ko naman pinapangarap na maging mayaman…" ("I do
not dream of being rich…" or "Hindi ako yayaman kasi…" ("I will never be
rich because…") Boom! In trying to be humble he already sentenced his
financial journey a failure. Come on, are there people who honestly
don't want to be rich? This could also be a way of shielding oneself
from failing. If you announce that you want to be rich and not make it,
the embarrassment might be too much to bear. But always remember the
counsel of wise men: The real danger is not in setting your goal too
high and not attaining it, but in setting it too low and attaining it!
2. A lot of Filipinos have not come to terms with their real
relationship with money. They are still affected by some negative
thoughts about money, which they heard growing up like money is the root
of all evil and the distorted notion of romanticizing poverty. Jesus
said love the poor but not poverty, because poverty can be ugly. It
attacks the hungry and desperate and oftentimes forces them to do evil.
3. Filipinos love the drama of miracles. I'm a Catholic but I have a
problem with fanatic devotions that bring unnecessary harm. Last January
9 was the Feast of the Black Nazarene and as usual a mammoth crowd of
devotees flocked to Quiapo to have a glimpse and touch the image in the
hope of a miracle happening to one's life. More than 1,600 casualties
occurred but somehow I don't see anyone being held responsible for this.
Compare that to a rally that would result in that number of casualties.
It's as if no one dares to question this practice that brings about harm
year in and year out. Why do the devotees have to do that on that
particular day even if it's risky? They have 364 more days to do that in
a more solemn manner because the image is just in Quiapo church. Ah,
because it's only on that day that the miracle will happen! The truth is
miracles happen everyday. And the good and reliable ones are those that
are disguised in everyday opportunities to improve our lives. It's in
getting up early in the morning and doing your work with joy, in helping
and loving others in the most ordinary way. It's no different from
buying lotto tickets and joining noontime shows to win cash prizes, when
one can work to earn a living everyday and religiously save and invest
his earnings for a bright future.
--
-----------------------------------------------------------
CARLOS ANI - Consultant
Mailing address: PO Box 90 UPLB Los Banos Laguna, Philippines 4031
Emails: carlosani@gmail.com
Landline Phone: +63495010127 (PLDT)
Cellphone Numbers: +63908-1737072 (Smart)
My Websites:
CARLOSANI.COM - http://www.carlosani.com
DEVJOBS - http://www.devjobsmail.com
PHILDEVFINANCE - http://phildevfinance.posterous.com
http://phildevfinance.blogspot.com
Family website - http://www.anifamily.net
Skype name: carlosaniph
----------------------------------------------------------
