Towards A Rational Development Program

Last Saturday December 19 my spouse Minda and I together with my daughter Gigi and her husband Yves, my daughter Ginny with her children Sam, Arlo and Tonie had our lunch-fellowship at the Primus Reto-Bar at Pacol as they just arrived from Metro Manila for a three (3) weeks vacation here at home. On our way to the place, I invariably noticed hundreds of motorcycles and several vans and cars parked along the highway fronting a cockpit where obviously cockfightiing is in progress. I didn’t wonder anymore on the event knowing as I do that cockfighting is a Filipino favorite sports and past time. However, it is unfortunate that as per print and broadcast media reports, some of the bettors are using DSWD support funds intended for the maintenance of the daily needs of the family and for the education of their children. This diversion of the fund must be the concern of the DSWD and we believe that something must be done to stop the illegal practice. I say illegal because it is obvious that the participants of the program are violating the law. We suggest to the DSWD that the program participants be warned about possible cancelation if they persist in the illegal diversion. This writer is not against the program as in fact we appreciate the concern of the government for the marginalized. However, I hope that it is also coupled with A skills development or livelihood program which will train the heads of family to have employment after a certain period. After which the benefits of the program will be passed on to another set of beneficiaries. It would also be worth considering to have a regular monitoring and evaluation of the program to maximize its benefits.

With our burgeoning population, the government would be saddled with budgetary constraints if the beneficiaries will go on depending on dole-outs and their capacity for self-sufficiency remains unexplored and undeveloped.

TRIVIA

Through this column I wish to remind our in-coming Commander of the Knights of Rizal SK Virgilio Salvador with the in-charge of the Events Coordinator of the Office of the Mayor re the participation of the Order of the Knights of Rizal this coming December 30th celebration of the Death Anniversary of the late Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“OUR INDEPENDENCE IS OUR PRIDE AND HONOR. WE SHALL DEPEND OUR NATION WITH OUR LIVES AND OUR FORTUNE.”

MANUEL ROXAS

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“HOW LONG WILL YOU JUDGE UNJUSTLY AND FAVOR THE CAUSE OF THE WICKED?”

PSALM 82:2