The sad reality of the beautiful, scenic Philippines and its kind and friendly people is that too many live in man-made poverty. The gross injustice and inequality that causes such poverty alienates 20 million Filipinos who live in slums on the edge of hunger.
If you have survived and overcome poverty and made it to a happier life, you will understand the story of Nick. If you are well-off, thank your parents for saving you from poverty. Thank them for your education, count your blessings every day, and help others with your blessings.
It is education that saves children from poverty, hunger and a lost life. Nick is a 16-year-old boy and his parents are among those poor throwaway people. They survive day to day in any way they can.
Nick’s entire family, including his parents and older siblings, did not complete elementary school, making it difficult for them to find employment. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, approximately 7.9 million Filipino children and young adults between the ages of five and 24 did not attend school from 2022 to 2023, leading to low literacy rates. Nick’s parents struggled to find steady employment, occasionally working part-time in construction for short periods. His mother also earned a small income by washing clothes for neighbours. Unfortunately, their combined earnings were insufficient to adequately provide for the family.
They lived in a tiny hut where they all had to sleep close together on mats laid on the concrete floor and ate one meal a day. Sometimes, they eat “pag-pag,” recooked restaurant leftovers of half-eaten dinners food thrown out by fast food chains, restaurants, and cafes and the well-off. This poverty is the result of some corruption. It lies at the heart of the social injustice ignored by many in a so-called Catholic country.
The Philippines is a relatively rich country yet 20 million Filipinos suffer hunger while another 10 million come close to it. A nation of kind, good people where 0.1 per cent own 46 per cent of the total wealth of the nation
The Philippines is a relatively rich country yet 20 million Filipinos suffer hunger while another 10 million come close to it. A nation of kind, good people where 0.1 per cent own 46 per cent of the total wealth of the nation.
Christianity, as envisioned by Jesus of Nazareth, aimed to establish a society where equality and justice prevail. However, corruption, inequality, and injustice often go unchallenged except for a few brave human rights and justice advocates, including some bishops and priests. Lay Christian advocates for social justice are labelled as subversives and rebels for speaking out against corruption, much like Jesus himself.
Nick’s parents received loans for food from a wealthy drug dealer nicknamed Nomad. In order to repay him and buy food, they had to sell his drugs on the streets, leading them into debt bondage. They took great risks for minimal gains by selling methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” a dangerous drug. Unfortunately, they were caught and are now in jail awaiting trial.
Nick had to pay the debt owed to Nomad so he also had to sell drugs. He had no education to get a job. A police undercover buyer caught him. He was spared extrajudicial execution unlike 30,000 others allegedly killed by police as part of a massive crime against humanity being investigated by the International Criminal Court.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Nick was charged with drug selling, but being 16-years-old, a minor, he was sent by the judge to the Preda Foundation home in Liloan, Cebu, supported by Aktionsgruppe Kinder-in-Not based in Germany.
Lay Christian advocates for social justice are labelled as subversives and rebels for speaking out against corruption, much like Jesus himself
There, he could discover his value as a person feel his dignity and grow in self-confidence. He felt accepted, understood and welcomed to a life without fear or punishment. He received his personal needs and friendship and learned the value of his life and respect for others.
Nick is learning the value of education as the road to survival, prosperity and a life of dignity. Now with value formation, alternative education and Emotional Release Therapy, he is changing. He has a better, happier chance in life and a way out of poverty and to stay out of jail and make a new life.
Damien is another of the 7.9 million young people who never went to school, wandered the streets in poverty and lived with his street friends in Plaridel, Bulacan. They survived by doing odd jobs, and whenever hungry, by stealing food in the market. Vendors complained to the police.
Damien and some of his friends were arrested. They were kicked and beaten and taken out and two were shot dead including Damien’s best friend. It seems extrajudicial execution is common practice there.
Damien was tortured. He was tied to a chair and his fingers were beaten one by one with a hammer by the police. He was electrocuted twice to compel him to confess to crimes he did not commit. He was beaten, kicked and finally thrown in a jail cell.
There, he was rescued by Preda social workers and brought to the Preda Home, healed and cared for and had Emotional Release therapy during which he screamed out his anger at the corrupt police. He, too, will have a chance at a new life. He will learn and overcome poverty and support his future children. There is always hope no matter the crimes against the people by those sworn to protect them.
One day, the majority will rise up, educated and wise and they will elect a majority of good and just people to lead them and do away with the torturers and kiallers, corrupt and unjust, and together build a new just Philippines where human rights are finally upheld, honoured and respected by all. A dream worth working for.
Father Shay Cullen
www.preda.org
