In spite of the well-meaning efforts of individuals and institutions to at least reduce, if not totally eliminate poverty, it is becoming even worse. In Asia, nearly one billion suffer from hunger, with almost everyone of this number striving to provide for his needs and survive on less than $1 (the equivalent was more or less Php 50) a day. It has been said that, about 70% of the world's poor are found in this region-without sufficient food, safe drinking water and decent shelter; unable to seek medical attention when sick and to send their children to school; and often exposed to abuse.
The violence brought about by crime and armed political conflicts has further exacerbated this situation. In fact, the horror unleashed by the terrorist attack on America last year is up to now is still being felt in almost all corners of the world. It has aggravated the already bad economic situation where many business suffered massive and devastating looses and thousands of people lost their jobs. And if mass job lay-offs can become such a big problem for a rich and powerful nation like America, how much more for poor countries like the Philippines and other similarly-situated countries?
Some people, losing hope of ever getting some relief from abject poverty, are tempted to commit evil-breaking the laws of God and of men, or the rules governing morality. Some revolt against duly-constituted governments and place in their hands the means of enforcing what seems to them is social justice. Others try to scape from their anxiety by drinking alcohol or by using illegal drugs, which in the end bring more harm and damage to themselves.
Reprinted from Pasugo by Bienvenido C. Santiago
The violence brought about by crime and armed political conflicts has further exacerbated this situation. In fact, the horror unleashed by the terrorist attack on America last year is up to now is still being felt in almost all corners of the world. It has aggravated the already bad economic situation where many business suffered massive and devastating looses and thousands of people lost their jobs. And if mass job lay-offs can become such a big problem for a rich and powerful nation like America, how much more for poor countries like the Philippines and other similarly-situated countries?
Some people, losing hope of ever getting some relief from abject poverty, are tempted to commit evil-breaking the laws of God and of men, or the rules governing morality. Some revolt against duly-constituted governments and place in their hands the means of enforcing what seems to them is social justice. Others try to scape from their anxiety by drinking alcohol or by using illegal drugs, which in the end bring more harm and damage to themselves.
Reprinted from Pasugo by Bienvenido C. Santiago
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