The Bottom of the Pyramid: The Working Poor

By: Rizzi Faith T. Gonzaga

Nakabubuhay na sahod, ipaglaban! Sahod, trabaho, karapatan, ipaglaban! Can you hear
what they are trying to say? How they struggle to survive this economic crisis that could
somehow question themselves “Is this the life that I want?” A crisis is nothing new to our
country from environmental disasters to social and political instability.
Fellow classmates, friends, teachers, and especially, those individuals who stay blinded
about the fact that a “working poor” is a serious matter that is needed to be addressed.
We, individuals, are divided into major hierarchical groupings in society. If you imagine a
triangle, that is how we are divided where workers are at the bottom of the pyramid while
those people “who have power” are on top. If you are familiar with the song Tatsulok by
Bamboo, he said there “Hangga't marami ang lugmok sa kahirapan at ang hustisya ay para lang
sa mayaman. Habang may tatsulok at sila ang nasa tuktok, di matatapos itong gulo” It explains
the inequality between the social classes.
I wondered why the lower class has such a large portion in the triangle, yet they have
the lowest or no income at all. Most individuals that are involved here are farmers who work
and strive hard for their families. The agriculture industry, which is regarded as the foundation
of our society, responds to the needs of our health by ensuring food security for every Filipino.
However, while playing a vital part in our society, farmers continue to be one of the most
disadvantaged and marginalized sectors. Because the government itself can’t even support and
invest in our local farmers.
This is one of many workers who struggle with living here in the Philippines. Some
workers work in low-paying, informal, casual, or irregular jobs. Because of this, others tend to
go overseas because of the variety of opportunities available to Filipinos abroad, some are likely
to leave the country in order to increase their income. Because there aren't as many work
opportunities here in the Philippines.  Filipinos are discouraged from living here, primarily
because of its political system. There are few benefits the government can offer, and many of
the country's government officials are accused of corruption. Some Filipinos no longer have any
hope or faith in the government when comparing the Philippines to other nations.
They said that, if you were born poor, it is not your fault but if you die poor, it is your
fault. But what about individuals who have no other opportunities at all, those individuals who
have striven hard just to continue life but still walking on the same path? Do you think they
want that? Given the complexity and diversity of poverty's causes and effects, there is no
concrete solution. On the other hand, boosting access to healthcare and nutrition, expanding
economic opportunities which would, in turn, assist many individuals to earn higher and more
consistent wages, and support services, and expanding access to education and training are
some potential solutions for poverty. Little by little, we can gradually get the freedom we all
want.