Shane Josa Marie M.

Tabunggao
NSTP101 | N13

POVERTY
In Relation to Material Things

1. Poverty has been a social problem in the Philippines for a very long time. Especially in these hard
times, poverty is very evident. People who do not have sufficient resources are having a hard time to
survive on a daily basis and is slowly falling to an unfortunate situation, extreme poverty. Impoverished
people are experiencing malnutrition and poor health care due to the fact that their resources are not
enough to suffice their needs. In addition to that, they also could not afford housing or even rent one to
have a comfortable shelter to live in. Worst case scenario, poverty can drive people to do illicit acts such
as crime and thievery because of having nothing. Impoverished people are being forced to do such things
just to provide their needs. I came across a news one time that a 60-year old grandmother stole a frozen
chicken from a convenience store so that her family has food to eat. This just shows how poverty can
make us do such things even if we don’t want to.
2. There are many visible factors on why poverty remains a challenge in the Philippines. Some of them
are weakness of employment generation and quality of jobs generated, high level of population growth,
recurrent shocks and exposure to risks, and corruption. These apparent factors can bring so much burden
for the Filipinos and makes it even harder for them to live by in this kind of unfortunate situation.
3. Though for some people, they labeled poverty as a negative thing. I can say that poverty is existing
because of such reasons. God can use poverty as a way for people to strive for more or be motivated so
that they can live a better life. Also, to connect people in order to help each other in the trying times. God
wants us to see that there is no such thing as nothing. Even if resources are not enough, there are non-
material things that can help people go by in the everyday life. God uses the people who are generous and
have sympathy as an instrument for the people who are impoverished. And for me, that is one good
example of God in all things.
4. As a Filipino citizen, I would like to extend my help to the people who are in need by joining or being
associated with organizations that help impoverished people. Although it won’t be much, it is already a
little step towards minimizing poverty in the Philippines. Being able to be involved in acts that can help
people is such a great feeling knowing that you will be remembered by the people that you helped.
Furthermore, I would encourage more people to do the same. Because one for all, and all for one.