gawad kalinga and poverty

madz earlier sent an inspiring story about the volunteers in gawad kalinga. here's the link:

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=17994

i just had to share it to some friends whom i believe have the heart for such causes. who knows? it might change the lives of some of our friends, di ba? and prod them into their calling (kung yun man ang calling nila). :)

a friend answered my email saying that it's sad that these volunteers are being taken advantage of in the philippines. well, sa pagka-haba-haba ng reply ko, ayoko syang i-paraphrase. so i'll post my reply here na lang. it's one way also of sharing my thoughts (which are still incomplete hehehe) about poverty to my other friends. :)

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we cannot itemize the countless possible causes of poverty. yeah, what
you cited could be one. education is indeed one defining factor. and
you are right, the government is not wholly to blame. but "the people"
itself doesn't have the right attitude towards improving things. we
don't have the discipline as a people. i remember a friend when asked
how the country could be improved, he simply said to change the people
living in the philippines. if you think about it long and hard, this
could be very well the cornerstone from which the other causes of
poverty have rested on. you just even mentioned one word which is
detrimental to our country, and that is abuse. that's one sad attitude
that our fellowmen have.

but we are already an impoverished country. we cannot go on analyzing
the causes of poverty. it will only make us feel bad about our country
and countrymen. those who are aware and have the sympathy and empathy
to help (like us, i hope) should do something. that's why i find it
inspiring that some people are leaving behind all the comforts of
their lives to help out the poor. yes, some of these poor people may
take advantage of those who help them but there are still those who
really need the help. and that's why the people in GK are commendable
because they seem to embrace everyone. they seem to shelter everyone
without regard for anything except that these people need their help.
it's just like unconditional love. :)

stories/news like this can either make you embittered or better. when
one is embittered, one just doesn't do anything. when one becomes
better, one might even find something worthwhile to do with his life
like the volunteers in GK. even if there are those who will take
advantage, it shouldn't stop the volunteers (or us) from helping. there are those who really need the help. :)