I woke up to an ache in my chest as I read the morning paper.
Mariannet, the 12-year old child who hanged herself last Nov. 2, was my daughter’s age. She is one of 11 million Filipinos who share a strange kinship with one billion more across the globe who live on less than a dollar a day. Her diary says she killed herself because she lost hope her family will ever get out poverty. Her wish list found in her diary was short: a bicycle, a school bag and jobs for her parents.
“Gusto ko po sana magkaroon ng bagong sapatos at bag at hanapbuhay para sa nanay at tatay ko. Wala kasing hanapbuhay ang tatay at nagpa-extra extra lamang ang aking nanay sa paglalaba,” she said in her “Wish Ko Lang” letter. [I wish for new shoes, a bag and jobs for my mother and father. My dad does not have a job and my mom just gets laundry jobs.]
This morning, as my daughter asked for her baon to go to school, I carefully looked at the P100 bill and kissed her goodbye. She gave me a warm hug and my heart constricted. I saw Mariannet instead, pleading to her father for P100 she needed for her school project.
A hundred pesos seems like a very small amount. My daughter will probably spend most of it on lunch at the school cafeteria and candies, not aware it could save someone’s life.
A few column inches away from the story on Mariannet, the Philippine Daily Inquirer banner story reads: Senate probes cash gifts. It talks of bundles of cash stuffed in envelopes and brown bags given to politicians one fine day in Malacañang.
Right there, we can see that Mariannet was right smack in the middle of the crux of life’s problems here in our country and around the world. Right there, we can raise our fists at government and say where is your heart? Releasing a P1-billion hunger fund is not the real solution! But Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz has a better answer. He says when an 11-year old child hangs herself because of poverty, somehow we are all to blame. The community is to blame. The society is to blame.
A few months ago, the Asian Development Bank released a study that showed in figures how the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. The middle class is vanishing, it said. A separate article I was writing made it clear that the emerging middle class in this country are, unfortunately, not in this country but working abroad as professionals, seamen, teachers, nurses, caregivers and household workers.
Those in Manila who could buy what they want, send their children to school, save for the future, dabble a little bit in stocks or bonds may feel alienated from the problem of the vanishing middle class. They may say, so what? I have hope. I have money. I am preparing myself for the future.
Unfortunately, rising poverty will affect us all. The more Mariannets there are, the less Filipinos there will be who can buy the products and services you are selling. Who can afford to go to school. Who can be skilled workers in our technology hubs. Who can become retail investors that will buoy up our capital and bond markets. As two songs go, the circle of life ensures that we are all in this together.
It makes sense for everyone’s financial future to wipe out poverty — even the ruling elite’s financial future. Even politicians’ financial future. As you prepare this day to make more money, save more and invest more, please do two things: look around you for someone like Mariannet and do something about it. Then continue to make your dreams for financial independence come true so you can help more like her.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
[...] remember hurting this way when Mariannet, a young girl, hanged herself last November 2, 2007 because she was desperate about life itself. I am not a stranger to poverty. I know how it feels [...]
March 18th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
i want to tell the child “how stupid her action was!” i want to tell the parents of the child “you still have chances to teach your remaining children to treasure their lives over the fantacy of having things in which they don’t have. If you failed to give your children things they see others have, teach them to value “pagsisikap, pagtitiis at pagmamahal sa sarili” so they won’t imitate their sibling who desperately killed herself for a piece of request she will never ever have.” I want to tell the government officials, “your corrupt minds corrupt and make people so hungry for corruption. Different faces of corruptions happen around the country through witty strategies, perform by us, citizens of this country. For our officials, instead of showing good examples, they themselves are corrupt.” i want to talk to the people of this country, “I feel sorry for what our anscesors did for the benefit of our time, i feel like they are being dismayed by us. They fought for the country, they showed deeper concern..brotherhood, love and passion to seeing each and everyone of them enjoying what they intended to embrace upon, the freedom, peace and concern to one another. We are failing them for every act of selfishness. Our self-centeredness character drives us away from seeing the need of others.” I want to tell my self, “Do something and not blame others as what you are doing right now. Blaming others won’t help but will worsen the wound.” Lastly, i want to tell God how sad i am for what the child did. He gave her life, but she waisted it. We are moved, but it was a wrong way of moving our hearts! “May you strengthen our minds, hearts and souls so we may present ourselves to you humbly and fearfully. And that you may eventually tell us, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant, well done!”
May the story of the child won’t happen again. May we have the gift of discerning other’s cry for help before any worse may happen. May we show our care not after the death of a horse who no longer needs the grass…red
December 17th, 2007 at 8:47 am
The blame goes mostly to the parents who keep having children they can’t afford to raise. I know; I came from a family like this. Most of my relatives are too stupid to know any better, only having children as their form of social security. It takes a strong/smart person to get out of this selfish and stupid mentality.
Some of the blame also goes to the corrupt government who choose to pocket the money instead of investing it by providing jobs.
If you want to change the world, change the world within you. I continue to remind my relatives this as I do what I can to help them with their finances.
December 6th, 2007 at 4:50 am
it’s very amusing, the wisdom of men truly is. blaming, patronizing, agonizing, empathizing, influencing, evaluating, judging, self-emulating, castigating, self-righteousnessing(just rhyming), self-conveniencing(hehe) and so on. it sounds like no one is getting nowhere. isn’t it high time to find out what the one true wisdom is?
anyway, it’s a forum where everyone can express her/him-self(self-excusing).
November 20th, 2007 at 5:31 am
Dear Cecilia, thank you for sharing your story. I like what you said about “mentoring”. I think that’s a very worthwhile cause. It made me remember the story about that old man who threw one starfish at a time back into the sea. change the world one person at a time. it’s a risky process too, because each person has his own choice and after all that you do, things might not change. but one wise person said the worst thing good people can do is to do nothing. Great work, Cecilia!
November 19th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
I followed the thread of this 11 yrs old girl’s tragic story- that could have been me at that age….looking back now, I must have been exposed to v.sad traumatic experiences at a very young age, because I experience bouts of “sadness”;but my spiritual belief was strong enough to “hold” me. And I was so
grateful now to remember that there was a “teacher at grade 3″ , who had the time
to set me aside (one lunchbreak) to tell me of her concerns about my falling attendance and grade at school. I was “babysitting” my mom’s other kids….
I was her firstborn (5 going to 6 half bros and sisters?). My mom then needs to earn
a living w/ her 2nd partner, only my sickly Lola was at home..? My 3rd grade teacher put things in perspective for me…
my 9 yrs old brain understood this at that time….like this- being in school is not important ‘coz my desire was to help out my granmother’s housework and looking after the kids ( I love those babies)…Another lunchtime break session with my teacher….and another session…
until she found out how my little brain and little world was working….She has belief in me…she said that I’m smart enough to do what I want in my life and even do better than so and so? Mrs Fuentes placed a challenge my way to spark some ambition in my heart…(was
anything in there?). I told her my “rhethorical” answers– I have to help my grandmother, and I love the kids.
I did promise to keep w/ my homework and if I miss a day or two…she keeps me
up with my backwork, so I could still be in the “honours list”. I did not even thought about myself then as an honours
candidate….No one at home give me praises about results of my school report?
You see, I lived with an Uncle and an Auntie(my father’s sister who could not bear a child), They adopted myself and my only brother in their household. We had someone to look after us and cook(Margarita).My foster dad’s philosophy is
to do learning in school when we’re home
we have to do chores, feed the pigs, the
chooks, the goats, the carabao and help in the rice field (harvestime/plantingtime).
So no homework done at home…I silently
di home work in my head, doing my chores
If he call out for me…I cant hear him….
I was thinking in my head. At 14 yrs. I had “behavioural” problems..? My Auntie thought (foster mom), She arranged for me to pay Mrs Fuentes a visit. I was very anxious to meet my Teacher, apparently
she became Guidance Counsellor in my previous school. She heard about my winning 2nd at an english oratorical competetion and 1st at “Tagalog” the previous year when I was freshman….and
a member of our high school’s debating team. How am I? How have I been?
I told her “I was alright”, but the truth was- I feel sad in my heart. I feel “blue”
Depressed about the future…? I did not feel like “I belong” to my family? to my mom? to my dad’s family in Manila? I feel like being moved form one home to another ? not belonging to any of them?
Auntie’s now are talking about moving me to another Auntie’s home so I could help the organize the maids during the day and
study at night to become a midwife..? I do not want to be a MIDWIFE!!! or a Teacher like my foster mom? NO, I do not want todo this??? I want something else with my life, but I do not have any “say”
about my own life. I did not tell her any of these thoughts……but she reads my facial expressions, my demeanor. Mrs Fuentes re-enforced her confidence in me,stating if only I believe more in myself.
The day I stood up in her class, when no one stood up to “make up” an action-dance movement to go with a new song we learnt that day….No ONE, she said. I
raised my hand apparently and showed courage that day (The School Principal was in our classroom observing the fresh and best 3rd yr class in the block!!!).
Courage to press on no matter what. She said about, Believing in myself MORE, and give myself the chance to do whatever it is I want to do in my life.
And I did…I was called “a black sheep” because I followed what my heart is prompting ….I went to Australia…..and Im preparing to come HOME…just like my Teacher- I will be encouraging to MOTIVATE those who needs to HOPE BIG in their hearts….specially kids like Marriannette. Compassion, education, “hands on” social work, money is important also to help move things……motivational speakers…..not angst with no positive fruit. Are YOU angry enough to make a difference? Use your anger as a positive vehicle to drive away poverty….DO something, guide a parent- educate if they are willing. Youi still have to ask their permission if you want to show someone the way. Adopt a family….adopt a child, sponsor her daily care plan, schooling. Be friend someone in your neighborhood…? Be a mentor if you have the capacity to do so…. and follow up…..the follow up is the most important aspect……the support is very important….to those times that we stumble…someone there to pick us up…
Some critique are so simplistic…I know how it feels like to be depressed at a very young age…because of what you see, what you hear amd what people do…and you can not say or tell..because
of putting shame to your family…taboo stuff…..e.g. to be parented by parents who do not know how to get out of their rut? is it a child’s fault? is it her parents?
Teach a brother, a sister……sometimes being in this poverty cycle will get one mentally ill…forever looking for a relief….
For one family, you need a mentor,advocate-social worker, a health nurse, a friend, a family to help them as your 24-7 family support (a family neighbor) who will take these jobs? without pay? Now we need “mega-phones ” those who are good with their gabs” {Media} Those activist type- eloquently persuasive in their speech…?
WHO can nail it in the heads of politicians….opening their hearts ……we can begin with one…find this person TODAY……….Cecilia Alcopra Beltran
November 15th, 2007 at 10:51 am
DB, you’re a great proactive thinker. i admire that.
I have known for a long time an organization called Synergeia, and if I were to set up a fund, it would be with this group because I trust Milwida Guevara and Washington Sycip. And because I am a product of a poor family who was able to rise up from poverty because of education. If you are willing to take your suggestion further, we can set up a fund with Synergeia to help bring education to the poor people in Mindanao. I am all for this cause.
Now, let me also say that I know there are many of you in this forum who give in many, many ways — quietly, efficiently and significantly. We don’t always have to set up a fund, or do something that the whole world knows. As someone else said in this blog: just give to the poor. period. that also sounds like a very good way of doing it.
November 15th, 2007 at 10:46 am
mike, that’s a common misconception about money smarts. this blog is not about money per se. it’s about life. it’s about how we can fix our money issues so we can live life more fully and focus on the real things that matter like family, friends, service to the community, to God — whoever your God is. you may want to read my first post here. it describes why this blog was born:
http://www.inquirerbloggers.net/moneysmarts/2007/03/07/the-millionaires-around-us/
November 15th, 2007 at 8:54 am
its nice to know that money smarts have a heart after all. And does not just concern itself(all of us) to just money …money… and lots of money! For what good does all your money will be if you can’t use it for the benefit of your community. advice to all money smarts readers out there its about time to think about others. let’s invest on people, lets help them get out of poverty. The ROI on this will surely be more rewarding.
November 13th, 2007 at 6:35 am
A blessed day to you all.
It’s now 10 days after Mariannet took her own life and caused such stir on this blog.
The reactions were varied, similar to the reactions of 10 blind people touching different parts of an elephant and then being asked what the elephant looks like. There is no right or wrong answer, we can all agree to disagree.
But we are all in this together.
Dear friends who care, may I ask,
“Today, what have you done for Mariannet who remain in our midst?”
Salve, I believe you can drive this. In spite of the tight budget, I will pledge a seed money of $100 to start a fund to help disadvantaged people learn “how to climb trees,” or choose to donate to a group that manages scholarship funds. Let me know if you want to take this up. You can invest the money and use the proceeds for this project, with advice from your kindly readers.
Salve, let me know if you want to take this on.
Friends, can you spare the same P100 that Mariannet needed? The ball is in your court…
Pax.
November 12th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
There’s a study on why Filipinos remained poor. It’s posted in Manolo Quezon’s blog “Alba’s answer.” I have my comments there under “Pinoy.”
The wide gap between rich and poor is inherent in any capitalist society. Even the richest country (U.S.) has not eliminated poverty and its income disparity is worse than the Philippines! according to Dr. Ciel Habito. Time to change this defective economic system.
November 12th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Salina,
I think you missed the point sweetheart! As you said, you left the country already for work right? If that is so, then I guess you are the one living proof that you can always escape poverty. sabi mo nga naghihirap din kayo.
Who said that we all should be beggars? But if you have ready some accounts in the Marianet’s diary, perhaps you would understand that there is a mindset to “ask for them to survive”.
Well and good na nakakatulong ka sa barrio mo. If some of the rich doesnt help out, dont blame them. Ganun talaga ang buhay. Who knows they have other problems to attend to. We can’t dictate that all the rich in this country should help. We can only hope that they remember to give their share of blessings. If they forget, who are we to remind them? Who are we even to dictate on their conscience?
salve,
I never missed all of your blog. Regardless of that disclaimer” you had in the last part of your blog, it is still obvious that your whole entry is trying to preach blaming and hopelessness. once again, who are we to call on other’s conscience? Look at your replies in the comments. Lumambot. Perhaps becuase there are people who would not agree to the kind of mentality you and salina are so attached with.
What you could have done perhaps was to call on the church to stop preaching that we be POOR so we can go to heaven. They should stop glorifying the poor. INstead, they should preach of ways for people to get rich if not financially/economically abled followers of the church. If Mariannet had known that she could have gone to heaven for just being poor and that committing suicide is mortal sin, perhaps she could have been enlightened.
If the church had meddled in politics, i guess it is about time for them to get into economics too. bwahahahah!
November 10th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Ay naku, kawawa talaga si Marianette pero sana naman magbago na ang ating mga leaders most especially ang president, senators, congressmen, governors, mayors.
sana ang gawin nila, pag tulong talaga, hindi yung pansariling pagpapasarap lang. Common, get real. You are all supposedly public servants eh. There is a lot of money in govt..and you get to know the figures when are scandals..nakakalula. Ang hirap bilangin, even. But see the plight of the real poor…ha ha ha. I am wondering how they can even sleep at night knowing fully well, a lot of people here are hungry…and deprived and living in sub-human conditions.
A lot of Pinoys are in a situation wherein they cannot find jobs as they are not educated and not even skilled. Sadly, we just have bodies, all bodies and often he mental faculties they have is something to be ashamed of. The local show Wowoweee often features these people and my heart bleeds realizing we have a lot of these amongst us who cannot answer even the simplest of questions. I watch this show and sometimes laugh, but deep inside, it hurts and i cannot reconcile what i hear about so much money in govt. i.e. the ZTE deal, the bags with crisp bills handed out to attendees of one meeting in Malacanang, the Erap plunder trial, etc.
If only President Gloria wakes up one day and realize, she can do a lot more to uplift the plight of a lot of us….ah…that will be the day, her name will be written good in Philippine history. Right now, all the glorious economic figures she brags about are nonsense as people do not feel the effect trickling down to them. I wish that she can finish her term, but before it, kumilos na sya para sa ikakabuti ng madami. Bago mahuli ang lahat. Aba nakakahiya sya, may nagpapatiwakal na dahil sa hirap ng buhay???? Ang samang picture nito ah. Pano sya makakapagyabang ng economic gains kung sa real scenarios, iba naman ang nakikita???
November 10th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Jon Limjap
I hear you loud and clear! But, The people who you think going to teach us how to climb the tree is too busy incrich themselves. They all protecting each other ass! hulilujah…..
Salina,
Then are you saying that Salve Duplito’s efforts in entrepreneurial education in this blog is nothing to you?
))))))))))))))))))))
Sir. That is not what I meant. I never open “Smart Money” Blog, Because I’m not an economist. Is not only that I don’t need to read it because I know how to handle money. Even though I’m not rich’s.
Like the saying goes,….Is not on how much you’re making, Its how much you’re saving. I’m pretty sure Salve, Can give you a good advice on how to handle your finances. I don’t need too. Thank you!
And by the way, Just because I never read Salve, Blog thats don’t meant I look down on him. I only read the blog that is interest me, Just like this Blog Salve, Create. As you already know I’ve answer just about every posting in this blog.
November 10th, 2007 at 10:38 am
Hershey
I really feel so sad when I read this article. She’s so young as to end her life so tragic…I can’t blame the parents…talagang mahirap ang buhay sa ‘Pinas…even now that we hear that governors, mayor et al…have been receiving this much money…in fact, we’re not even sure if the money goes to projects to help our countrymen or to their pockets…Ewan ko lang kung may pulitiko na average lang ang buhay…baka mang-isa isa lang…the rest, sagana ang buhay..malalaki ang bahay..kagaya ni Erap..na ginagamit lang ang mahihirap for his political gain…nakakarindi na..eto, si Jinggoy may balak tumakbo sa 2010..See, kung hindi man si Erap tatakbo sa 2010, ehang mga kaanak naman..Same pa rin..Ang di alam nI GMA, lalabas din ang tunay na kulay ni Erap at ma i impeach din sya dahil sa pardon nya…Anyway, wala sa kanila ang deserving to be our Pres..becoz they’re both corrupt…try to visit the slum/squatters area…walang pag-unlad…If the gov’t should really focus on improving the lives of poor people by giving them job..improve education etc…then life in our country would be much better…less crime…NOT TO GIVE AWAY MONEY TO THESE RICH POLITICIANS…YOU GOTTHE NERVE GMA..
_____________________
I guarantee you, The money these crooks has been receiving in Malacanyang palace is not going to the project. Bakit kamo? Because its cash and there is no paper to show. This money going to the pocket of crooks. This is their payment for supporting the impeachment against Gloria Arroyo, So that nobody can file another impeachment against her for another year. Hindi ba Tita. If the money they receive from Malacanyang palace in Oct 11/07 It should be from Government and there should be paper alone with it saying its for the project. Is not only that only the administration alley has been receiving this money. None of the opposition receive not even a single penny. Oh, ayan! Talagang mga kawatan.
November 10th, 2007 at 10:31 am
gia eguid
the corrupt politicians in our country who keep on making themselves richer and richer as they go along corrupting our nation, dapat sila yung mga magpakamatay kaysa dun sa batang si marianette. the child has more good plans for her future na makaktulong para sa bansa. hindi katulad nung mga buwayang nakaupo sa trono, sila yung mga nagiging dahilan kaya may mga batang kagaya ng nabanggit. they should kill themselves to stop the foolishness in this country and have our nation move to progress.
(((((((((((((((((((
Why should these corrupt polutician kill themselves. They have plenty of money to buy whatever they want to buy.
November 10th, 2007 at 10:29 am
isko
im trying to remember what i was thinking when i was at her age….we we’re not well off…i dunno but i don’t think killing myself ever crossed my mind….
sometimes me and my siblings have sugar and rice to eat….
its a hard reality but something is really wrong with the kid psychologically…..
__________________
Maybe you’re right on this. But, I think she loss hope in life because of poverty. If you have rice/sugar to eat you’re still very lucky. She doesn’t have any rice/sugar to eat in that matter.
November 10th, 2007 at 10:25 am
Jon Limjap
I hear you loud and clear! But, The people who you think going to teach us how to climb the tree is too busy incrich themselves. They all protecting each other ass! hulilujah…..
Salina,
Then are you saying that Salve Duplito’s efforts in entrepreneurial education in this blog is nothing to you?
There are people out there who ARE helping others catch up to the rich with the help of financial intelligence seminars, Larry Gamboa and Bo Sanchez being the more visible ones of late.
Problem is even if they reach out their hands to us many of us don’t want to reach out. We want to be bodily carried up the tree, with little or no effort, believing that that’s the way the rich got there.
I think the real problem are people like YOU, who are RESIGNED to believing that nothing will ever amount in your life. It shows in the way you write. I’m guessing your life does amount to nothing judging from the hopelessness that you have.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Wow, Jon: Really! Can you really tell a person by just reading what they wrote in this blog? To me, You’re one of the people who look down on other people because you think you’re better then they’re. I’m I right? Just guessing! How do you know about my life in that matter by comparing on what I write in this blog. Ha, Ha. Just because you can write better english that’s don’t mean you’re betten than me. I have a news for you! Nobody better than me,. Not even Gloria Arroyo, The power grabber and the biggest theives!
This is one of the biggest problem of filipino people, The rich’s always look down other’s if they think that they have more money compare to other people.
But, You’re right about one thing. I’m not rich’s, But I’m not poor either. But, It doens’t matter how small the money I have I always help to those lest furtunate. How about you? Probably not.
November 10th, 2007 at 10:23 am
[...] her blog entry about Mariannet’s suicide, Salve Duplito points out Archbishop Oscar Cruz’s comment that “we are all to [...]
November 10th, 2007 at 10:15 am
Judai
Proverty… Matagal na problema ito. Aaksyon lang ba ang government natin pag may ganitong nangyari? All of them (governments) have the power to help them but.. all they did is to pocket all the money for their own.. How sad the stragedy is? but will this stop? Everybody is hoping ang wishing for the better life.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Each and everyone of us hoping for a better life in the Philippines, But this will never happen because the people who’s sqauatting in Malacanyang palace keep robbing the government coffer.
November 10th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Honey Bunny
stop poverty by voting wisely on 2010
___________________
What make you think there is an election in 2010? With your luck, Gloria Arroyo, Will be in power forever! Remember, Every polutition has its price all she have to do is buy them off. So, that she can contenue squatting into her stolen power.
November 10th, 2007 at 9:49 am
poverty is not a crime, to ignore is a crime against humanity
November 10th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Proverty… Matagal na problema ito. Aaksyon lang ba ang government natin pag may ganitong nangyari? All of them (governments) have the power to help them but.. all they did is to pocket all the money for their own.. How sad the stragedy is? but will this stop? Everybody is hoping ang wishing for the better life.
November 10th, 2007 at 8:36 am
I wonder why the 2nd World War, about 10 bad presidents, and an economy that declined since the late 60s didn’t prevent Socorro Ramos of National Bookstore to become wealthy.
I bet it’s not about her voting habits.
November 10th, 2007 at 8:28 am
Salina,
Then are you saying that Salve Duplito’s efforts in entrepreneurial education in this blog is nothing to you?
There are people out there who ARE helping others catch up to the rich with the help of financial intelligence seminars, Larry Gamboa and Bo Sanchez being the more visible ones of late.
Problem is even if they reach out their hands to us many of us don’t want to reach out. We want to be bodily carried up the tree, with little or no effort, believing that that’s the way the rich got there.
I think the real problem are people like YOU, who are RESIGNED to believing that nothing will ever amount in your life. It shows in the way you write. I’m guessing your life does amount to nothing judging from the hopelessness that you have.
November 9th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
stop poverty by voting wisely on 2010
November 9th, 2007 at 4:25 pm
im trying to remember what i was thinking when i was at her age….we we’re not well off…i dunno but i don’t think killing myself ever crossed my mind….
sometimes me and my siblings have sugar and rice to eat….
its a hard reality but something is really wrong with the kid psychologically…..
November 9th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
the corrupt politicians in our country who keep on making themselves richer and richer as they go along corrupting our nation, dapat sila yung mga magpakamatay kaysa dun sa batang si marianette. the child has more good plans for her future na makaktulong para sa bansa. hindi katulad nung mga buwayang nakaupo sa trono, sila yung mga nagiging dahilan kaya may mga batang kagaya ng nabanggit. they should kill themselves to stop the foolishness in this country and have our nation move to progress.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
the corrupt politicians in our country who keep on making themselves richer and richer as they go along corrupting our nation, dapat sila yung mga magpakamatay kaysa dun sa batang si marianette. the child has more good plans for his future na makaktulong para sa bansa. hindi katulad nung mga buwayang nakaupo sa trono, sila yung mga nagiging dahilan kaya may mga batang kagaya ng nabanggit. they should kill themselves to stop the foolishness in this country and have our nation move to progress.
November 9th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
it is really true that the one who should take the blame on this incident is our philippine government.
isang malaking katotohanan na kahit gaanong karaming programa ang pinapatupad ng ating gobyerno para sa ating mga mamayang pilipino, hindi pa din lubusang naaabot ng ating gobyerno yung mga taong mas labis na nangangailangan ng mga bagay na sinusubukan nilang bigyang-lunas.
one more important thing, hindi tamang magbigay-reaksyon lang tayong mga mamamayan sa mga bagay na tulad nito. we also should do something to lessen this kind of incident in our country.
______________________________
personally, i am a staffer in our schoolpaper and i just left a comment here to show my reactions on this news. honestly, i am almost crying when i watched this in a news program. i can really say that i am a very blessed child- na kahit mahirap ang buhay para sa akin, my parents can still provide what i and my siblings need in order to survive our school life.
November 9th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
I really feel so sad when I read this article. She’s so young as to end her life so tragic…I can’t blame the parents…talagang mahirap ang buhay sa ‘Pinas…even now that we hear that governors, mayor et al…have been receiving this much money…in fact, we’re not even sure if the money goes to projects to help our countrymen or to their pockets…Ewan ko lang kung may pulitiko na average lang ang buhay…baka mang-isa isa lang…the rest, sagana ang buhay..malalaki ang bahay..kagaya ni Erap..na ginagamit lang ang mahihirap for his political gain…nakakarindi na..eto, si Jinggoy may balak tumakbo sa 2010..See, kung hindi man si Erap tatakbo sa 2010, ehang mga kaanak naman..Same pa rin..Ang di alam nI GMA, lalabas din ang tunay na kulay ni Erap at ma i impeach din sya dahil sa pardon nya…Anyway, wala sa kanila ang deserving to be our Pres..becoz they’re both corrupt…try to visit the slum/squatters area…walang pag-unlad…If the gov’t should really focus on improving the lives of poor people by giving them job..improve education etc…then life in our country would be much better…less crime…NOT TO GIVE AWAY MONEY TO THESE RICH POLITICIANS…YOU GOTTHE NERVE GMA..
November 9th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
kelan pa kaya makokonsensya mga taong nangungurakot dito sa pilipinas…sana man lang kahit isang taon na hindi sila mangurakot mabigyan lang ng pagkakataon na matulungan talaga yung mga nangangailangan. nagtatrabaho ako sa isang istasyon ng telebisyon pero hindi ko pa rin masabing nakakasiguro na ako sa future ko, masasabi ko pa rin na isang kahig isang tuka ang kalagayan ko, what more pa kaya yung ibang tao. naiinis ako dahil nandito ako sa trabahong alam ko kung ano ginagawa (hindi man lahat pero aware ako) ng mga taong nasa gobyerno. kung may magagawa lang sana ako para sa mga taong nasa tulad ng kalagayan ni mariannet…willing ako na mag volunteer kung sino man ang may pusong mag uumpisa ng aksyon.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Salve:
This is the first time I open your blog, “smart Moneys” When I read the article “poverty, Hope and a child’s suicide note” I went crazy for a moment. And start answering just about every posting in your blog. You’re not going to kick me out here too arent you? Actually I can’t stop crying because of the story, I know exactly how to be poor. My mother come from in a very poor family she use to work for rich’s people as a maid before she start working in clark field, That’s where she meet my father they got married and have plenty of kids, 8 children as a matter fact. She always tell us to help our poor relatives because they needed help. Each and everyone of us HELPING THEM without expecting anything in return. For that we’ve bless from above. I thank god for that. Amen:
November 9th, 2007 at 9:48 am
garfi
yes, ther’e nothing wrong with getting richer and better but that shouldn’t end there. everyone should learn to share whatever blessing they have been receiving. aside from being concern about our own future and bank accounts, i don’t think there’s any harm in including the society among our concerns. we all can help in our own little ways if we will only bother to do so. i am not talking about just giving beggars whatever we no longer need, well that will do if that’s all you can afford but i hope the really rich people of this country would care to help and provide opportunities for these less fortunate brothers of ours rather than just being concerned about how to make more money only for themselves and their own families.
it’s not easy to beg, they probably do so because that’s the only choice they’ve got.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Thats right. The reason some poor people are biggar because they don’t have any other choice. And we all know it. The biggest problem is the Philippines government. They’re only busy incriching themselves. Most of these poor people even though they want to work they can’t find job because there is no job available to them. And the only job they can get is to work for rich people as a maid/driver/house boy in order to survive. Even though they want to find a better job they can’t simply because they don’t have any education. Education in the Philippines is going down hill there is more drop-out. So, Pretty soon the filippino people NO READ, NO WRITE. There goes OFW.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:38 am
garfi
what we can do for mariannet now is to pray for her soul and move on from here. helping ourselves and helping those around us esp those who are not lucky enough to know how to survive this so called life.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Bravo! this is more like it. More power to you!
November 9th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Day
Hi to all, I have been living in Northern Samar for almost 6 years and I can see the reality that Mariannet was facing daily. Poor people here only depend on fishing, farming, and working as househelpers to get by. Most of them have big families too, but I can say that they are not hopeless.
Most big families work together to earn money, with the typical big ates and kuyas contributing to the family income to support the younger siblings.
My own grandmother was born in a family of 12 siblings. She sold flowers and washed dishes (at the local sabungan) at 12 years old during world war II. Mariannet at her age (God bless her soul) could have thought of getting a small job, or going to a church organization for support.
***
Parents should be responsible to bring up their children to be hopeful and resourceful.
***
We cannot wait for the government to solve poverty for us, but we must also learn to pray, and do something ourselves.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
If you’re waiting for the government to solve proverty. Maghintay ka hangang sa mamatay ka sa gutom. Just like what happen to this girl. She can’t wait any longer so she ended her life!
November 9th, 2007 at 9:26 am
Miko
nasan cla??? ayun kasama ni Salina nagra-rally
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Sorry, Sweetie pie! Hindi ako ng rally, I’m too busy sitting infront of the computer and rise hell. This is where I spend my time if I’m not working. Si Mako, Nandoon sa kay Mrs. Pidal. Asking for donation bake swertihin siya. Goodluck!!!!
November 9th, 2007 at 9:22 am
MJ
Guys,
If you happen to see children na nagigipit or nangangailangan try to extend some help, di naman necessarily pera pedeng encouragement or give them hope. Yan kasing mga bata ay observant sa paligid nila. if somebody tries to reach out to them and help in any form it will help in a small way..
________________________________
It does’nt matter how small your donation it really make a different. Don’t you know that if one of us just sponsor one child even just $20. 00 Dollar a month. It really make a different in child life. I sponsor many of them where I come from most of them already finish college. In fact one of them is already here in the U.S. Working. She’s RN. I thank all my sister/brother for doing it also. We put our resource together and sponsor our poor relatives so that they can get a good education.
November 9th, 2007 at 9:14 am
12215111
I cried unashamedly this morning while reading Marianette’s suicide Story! I had to stop several times because I could no longer see the words I was reading.
I am a man yet I could not control my emotion knowing that my kids are more blessed than Marianette. If I were able to give that 100 pesos, she could bave been alive today.
This thought never left me prompting me to tell my wife we have to do something without waiting help from or blaming the goverment. THERE ARE STILL A LOT OF MARIANETTES WHO NEEDS OUR HELP! THEY ARE NOT FAR…THEY ARE JUST AROUND!
I and my wife decided to sponsor one or two impoverished children to school unconditionally! This is our own little way of doing something while we can still help. We could do away with our vices, our caprices and start checking and helping our neighbors! LET US NOT WAIT FOR POLITICIANS TO COME! LET US DO SOMETHING BEFORE MORE MARIANETTES WILL DIE OF POVERTY!
MARIANETTE’S DEATH IS A WAKE UP CALL FOR US FILIPINOS TO START HELPING EACH OTHER UNCONDITIONALLY…
Jesus told us ” I was thirsty but you did not offer me a drink…I was hungry but you did not give me food..I was naked but you did not clothe me” …..Whatever small things we did to our neighbor, we did it to Jesus…..
I am from Davao….
===========================
Thank you! For thinking of helping other’s who needed help. You’ve bless 7x over!
In my mother barrio just about everybody is poor but they help one another. The only people that are rich is the Mayor all his children are studying abroad. Where the hell he got that kind of money to send his children abroad when they’re not making that kind of money. Even President only making P50,000 a month which is only $1,000.00 thousand dollar a month. Do you have any idea how much the tuition pay in college here in the U.S.? I can see why there is no improvement in my barrio or anywhere in the Philippines, Because of this. They’re nothing but crooks! Thats where your taxes money went to the pocket of crooks. I don’t know how can these people even sleep at night.
November 9th, 2007 at 8:57 am
Juwan
11-14 year olds commiting suicide because of economic hardships is just so difficult to take considering the 200K-500K payolas that this administration can give to politicians just to cling on to their power.
i say shame on you GMA, Mike A., Puno, Abalos, and all the others who just have insatiable greed for money and power!!!! how many more 11 years olds are you waiting to commit suicide just so you’ll really do something to alleviate poverty? to provide the basic necessities expected from a government like free education, public health care?
i not only raise my fists at GMA & her cronies, i raise my middle finger at them!
“sobrang kayamanan, akala mo’y walang hangganan, darating ang panahon iyan ay iyong iiwan!
************************
Juwan: For as long as Gloria Arroyo, The one in power there is more people going to kill themselves because of hunger. And this bitch have the nerve to lie to filipino people her so call booming economy. The only booming she’s talking about is their bank account. Go ahead and stick your finger into her $$$, I’m with you on this!
And now she’s saying that the girl home town is not cover with her program. Of course not. Because her bugos administration is not given money to this town, Because the Mayor in that town is opposition. Any opposition is not getting any support from government for their project. Only the people who’s supporting her ass getting money so that they can contenue supporting this bugos President Of cebu. Ang dapat sa kanya ipakain sa buwaya. Pisti nga yawa!
November 9th, 2007 at 6:38 am
11-14 year olds commiting suicide because of economic hardships is just so difficult to take considering the 200K-500K payolas that this administration can give to politicians just to cling on to their power.
i say shame on you GMA, Mike A., Puno, Abalos, and all the others who just have insatiable greed for money and power!!!! how many more 11 years olds are you waiting to commit suicide just so you’ll really do something to alleviate poverty? to provide the basic necessities expected from a government like free education, public health care?
i not only raise my fists at GMA & her cronies, i raise my middle finger at them!
“sobrang kayamanan, akala mo’y walang hangganan, darating ang panahon iyan ay iyong iiwan!”
November 9th, 2007 at 3:48 am
Salve: Its the government responsibility to stamp out poverty in this country but they’re only busy incriching themselves! Its their responsibility to create job for everybody, Its their resiponsibility to educated the filipino people. But none of this is happening because they’re too busy stealing the government coffer. Hindi ba tama ako? Of course I’am. Just look around you! the truth is there for everybody to see. If you can’t see it we’re doom as a nation. We’re all going down the gutter. Gloria Arroyo, too busy spending the taxepayer’s money buying off all her cronies so that they can protect her ass. I mad as hell….
November 9th, 2007 at 3:37 am
It makes sense for everyone’s financial future to wipe out poverty — even the ruling elite’s financial future. Even politicians’ financial future. As you prepare this day to make more money, save more and invest more, please do two things: look around you for someone like Mariannet and do something about it. Then continue to make your dreams for financial independence come true so you can help more like her.
____________________________
Salve: Don’t just tell us! Tell it to this to the people who running the country! Its their job to create job for everybody but as we all know in fact that there is no job available in the Philippines there is one of the reason why most filipino people are working abroad. These are the lucky one! who make it out. But not everybody. The polutitian are so busy incriching themselves this is one of the reason why the Philippines economy going down under.
But, Gloria Arroyo, Keep saying that the economy is rosy! If this is true, Why is it there is more and more filipino people are starving. Truth of the matter is Gloria Arroyo, Is lying to her teeth. Ang dapat sa kanya ipakaain sa buwaya! She’s nothing but the biggest liar. For as long as she’ll be in power the Philippines economy well go down in history and there is more filipino people going to kill themselves because of hunger.
November 9th, 2007 at 1:42 am
Michael
Damn!!!
I hope we all join hands in doing our part in Nation Building. We can’t really blame the government since it us who placed them in there. I just hope we all wake up and start doing something… Talk is cheap!!!
___________________________
Yeah, I agree! TALK IS CHEAP. Tell that to the power grabber Gloria Arroyo. She’s the one keep lying to the filipino people.
November 9th, 2007 at 1:40 am
SAPATERO
Realidad ang maging salat o sagana sa buhay . Pero hindi imposible na mabago ang kalagayan ng isang mahirap o mayaman.Nasa may katawan-lalo na sa mahirap, ang magnais na umunlad.
Ang makaahon sa kahirapan ay nangangailangan ng matinding paniwala sa MAYKAPAL at determinasyon na makamtan ang pag-unlad sa kabila ng maraming mga hamon at hirap na kailangang tiisin at malagpasan.
Nagmula ako sa mahirap na pamilya at tinanggap ko ang hamon para ako makaahon. Nakamtan ko ang kinalalagyan ko sa ngayon unang-una sa tulong ng MAYKAPAL at pangalawa sa pagbabanat ng buto mula sa murang edad hanggang makatapos sa kolehiyo. Sariling sikap ika nga!
Sa aking pananaw, ang makaahon sa kahirapan ay nakadepende sa may katawan na kumilos. Kailangan na kumilos ako noon sapagkat wala akong karapatan na umasa sa iba o ilipat sa kanila ang pangsarili kong responsobilidad na umunlad mula sa kahirapan.
I can’t blame the government because we are foremost to be blamed for voting those politicians to govern our country. Moreover, it’s quite unfair to generalize those who have more resources as the focus of discontents among the poor. Many of the middle class and the rich worked hard, as I did, to improve their lot. Many of us also help out in any way we can and without much funfare!
___________________
You’re one of the lucky people who succeed in life. I’m pretty sure each and everyone of us are doing just that. In order to reach our goal in life. Pero sa Philippines it does’nt matter what you do life is hard. I know! And I’m pretty sure some of us also has been helping the poor people without anything in return. I’m one of these people. At the same time I also have family that I need to take care off.
November 9th, 2007 at 1:34 am
Day
Hi to all, I have been living in Northern Samar for almost 6 years and I can see the reality that Mariannet was facing daily. Poor people here only depend on fishing, farming, and working as househelpers to get by. Most of them have big families too, but I can say that they are not hopeless.
Most big families work together to earn money, with the typical big ates and kuyas contributing to the family income to support the younger siblings.
My own grandmother was born in a family of 12 siblings. She sold flowers and washed dishes (at the local sabungan) at 12 years old during world war II. Mariannet at her age (God bless her soul) could have thought of getting a small job, or going to a church organization for support.
***
Parents should be responsible to bring up their children to be hopeful and resourceful.
***
We cannot wait for the government to solve poverty for us, but we must also learn to pray, and do something ourselves.
_______________________________
I’m pretty sure her parent done everything in order to survive. Sa province you can plant camote or any veggie’s but in the city you can’t.
Life in the Philippines is really bad. Only rich’s people can be able to survive the rest can’t hardly eat.
November 9th, 2007 at 1:30 am
daniel
‘kaiyak talaga!shocking knowing how she was too young to think of that ending her life,I should blame their Parents….nothing at all… sila lang ang kasama ng bata! there are lots of poor and much poorer ngayon lang nangyari to!something was not right,nasan mga kamag-anak nila?I blame all those mature people around them,un mga kapit-bahay,nasan cla? hmmp…
__________________________
How can you blame yon mga kapit-bahay is not their business to begin with. I’m pretty sure they’re poor too. And even though they want to help them probably they can’t help ng dahil sa kahirapan also.
November 9th, 2007 at 1:26 am
unknown
blaming someone or anyone doesn’t solve the problems. if you want to help the poor just help them. period…
____________________________
ABSULOTELY! If anybody want to donate to the ABS-CBN “WISH KO LANG” foundation you can. I know they’re helping lots of poor people. It does’nt matter how big or small your donation it really make a different. Salina
November 9th, 2007 at 12:14 am
I cried unashamedly this morning while reading Marianette’s suicide Story! I had to stop several times because I could no longer see the words I was reading.
I am a man yet I could not control my emotion knowing that my kids are more blessed than Marianette. If I were able to give that 100 pesos, she could bave been alive today.
This thought never left me prompting me to tell my wife we have to do something without waiting help from or blaming the goverment. THERE ARE STILL A LOT OF MARIANETTES WHO NEEDS OUR HELP! THEY ARE NOT FAR…THEY ARE JUST AROUND!
I and my wife decided to sponsor one or two impoverished children to school unconditionally! This is our own little way of doing something while we can still help. We could do away with our vices, our caprices and start checking and helping our neighbors! LET US NOT WAIT FOR POLITICIANS TO COME! LET US DO SOMETHING BEFORE MORE MARIANETTES WILL DIE OF POVERTY!
MARIANETTE’S DEATH IS A WAKE UP CALL FOR US FILIPINOS TO START HELPING EACH OTHER UNCONDITIONALLY…
Jesus told us ” I was thirsty but you did not offer me a drink…I was hungry but you did not give me food..I was naked but you did not clothe me” …..Whatever small things we did to our neighbor, we did it to Jesus…..
I am from Davao….
November 8th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Guys,
If you happen to see children na nagigipit or nangangailangan try to extend some help, di naman necessarily pera pedeng encouragement or give them hope. Yan kasing mga bata ay observant sa paligid nila. if somebody tries to reach out to them and help in any form it will help in a small way..
November 8th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
nasan cla??? ayun kasama ni Salina nagra-rally
November 8th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
‘kaiyak talaga!shocking knowing how she was too young to think of that ending her life,I should blame their Parents….nothing at all… sila lang ang kasama ng bata! there are lots of poor and much poorer ngayon lang nangyari to!something was not right,nasan mga kamag-anak nila?I blame all those mature people around them,un mga kapit-bahay,nasan cla? hmmp…
November 8th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
‘kaiyak talaga!shocking knowing how she was too young to think of that ending her life,I should blame their Parents….nothing at all sila lang ang kasama ng bata!
November 8th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Hi to all, I have been living in Northern Samar for almost 6 years and I can see the reality that Mariannet was facing daily. Poor people here only depend on fishing, farming, and working as househelpers to get by. Most of them have big families too, but I can say that they are not hopeless.
Most big families work together to earn money, with the typical big ates and kuyas contributing to the family income to support the younger siblings.
My own grandmother was born in a family of 12 siblings. She sold flowers and washed dishes (at the local sabungan) at 12 years old during world war II. Mariannet at her age (God bless her soul) could have thought of getting a small job, or going to a church organization for support.
***
Parents should be responsible to bring up their children to be hopeful and resourceful.
***
We cannot wait for the government to solve poverty for us, but we must also learn to pray, and do something ourselves.
November 8th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
I agree with you Rufoh. My siblings and I grew up under the valuable lessons in life provided by our parents which are identical to those of yours. Thanks a lot for sharing these lessons with us particularly with the younger generation.
November 8th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Realidad ang maging salat o sagana sa buhay . Pero hindi imposible na mabago ang kalagayan ng isang mahirap o mayaman.Nasa may katawan-lalo na sa mahirap, ang magnais na umunlad.
Ang makaahon sa kahirapan ay nangangailangan ng matinding paniwala sa MAYKAPAL at determinasyon na makamtan ang pag-unlad sa kabila ng maraming mga hamon at hirap na kailangang tiisin at malagpasan.
Nagmula ako sa mahirap na pamilya at tinanggap ko ang hamon para ako makaahon. Nakamtan ko ang kinalalagyan ko sa ngayon unang-una sa tulong ng MAYKAPAL at pangalawa sa pagbabanat ng buto mula sa murang edad hanggang makatapos sa kolehiyo. Sariling sikap ika nga!
Sa aking pananaw, ang makaahon sa kahirapan ay nakadepende sa may katawan na kumilos. Kailangan na kumilos ako noon sapagkat wala akong karapatan na umasa sa iba o ilipat sa kanila ang pangsarili kong responsobilidad na umunlad mula sa kahirapan.
I can’t blame the government because we are foremost to be blamed for voting those politicians to govern our country. Moreover, it’s quite unfair to generalize those who have more resources as the focus of discontents among the poor. Many of the middle class and the rich worked hard, as I did, to improve their lot. Many of us also help out in any way we can and without much funfare!
November 8th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
[...] DUPLITO writes about poverty, hope and a child’s suicide note in Money [...]
November 8th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
Damn!!!
I hope we all join hands in doing our part in Nation Building. We can’t really blame the government since it us who placed them in there. I just hope we all wake up and start doing something… Talk is cheap!!!
November 8th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
what we can do for mariannet now is to pray for her soul and move on from here. helping ourselves and helping those around us esp those who are not lucky enough to know how to survive this so called life.
November 8th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
To Rowen-I somehow agree with you.
However, I feel sad about the comments here. I didn’t finish reading them all. It’s sad to see the blamings.
In a corporate world, I like those managers who stops the blaming and just think of how to fix the problem.
Wala na tayo magagawa sa past. The only thing we can do is to think what we can do so that we’ll not commit the same mistake again.
Di tayo pwedeng deadma or just put the blame to GMA or the the parents of the girl. This is because all of us have a role and responsibility to our community.
You and I are just lucky that we are not that poor. But have you ever think or imagine — pano kung kayo ang nasa kalagayan nila? (walang pinag-aralan, matanda na at walang mapasukang trabaho, nais mag-negosyo pero walang pampuhunan).
Maaring lucky kayo ngayon pero u dont know what will happen in the future. di man kayo ang maghirap… maaring ang next next generation nyo!!!
November 8th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
It’s so sad that a very young individual such as her has learn the wrong way of escaping the reality and venom of poverty.
Check this out: http://youhot.blogspot.com
http://palmnation.blogspot.com
November 8th, 2007 at 5:00 pm
It’s a pity for Mariannet. For me, her fate is the responsibility of her parents.
I am in a situation like her before and I can say I have surpassed that situation. I was born in a family with 9 children (Mariannet only has 6 others). My father has no regular job but with a regular vice while my mother till the soil to plant kamoteng kahoy and corn so that we have food to eat when summer comes or when my father has no earnings. No regular money coming in to support us on our studies. Skipped meals or no meal at all are regular scenario. Despite that, my mother encourage us to keep the faith and never lose our hope while we chunk a bowl of kamoteng kahoy as our first and last meal for the day.
Now I realized what my parents did to make us survive those days.
“When you can’t feed their mouth, feed their mind so that they wouldn’t do anything they would regret later”
“Teach them right from wrong”..you dont need a penny to do that..hehehhe
“Live life, be happy, be contented with what you have, count your blessings.”
“Stand on your own, hold on and expect little or no help from others so that you will always do your best to survive”
November 8th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
i have just read that mariannet’s letter never reached the program to whom she wished to ask for help. my sincere apologies. nonetheless, i wish that they would still see my point– they could act as a bridge to the less fortunate most especially now that christmas is drawing near.
but they need not count me in. i have my hands full of my share of beneficiaries.
November 8th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
blaming someone or anyone doesn’t solve the problems. if you want to help the poor just help them. period…
November 8th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
yes, ther’e nothing wrong with getting richer and better but that shouldn’t end there. everyone should learn to share whatever blessing they have been receiving. aside from being concern about our own future and bank accounts, i don’t think there’s any harm in including the society among our concerns. we all can help in our own little ways if we will only bother to do so. i am not talking about just giving beggars whatever we no longer need, well that will do if that’s all you can afford but i hope the really rich people of this country would care to help and provide opportunities for these less fortunate brothers of ours rather than just being concerned about how to make more money only for themselves and their own families.
it’s not easy to beg, they probably do so because that’s the only choice they’ve got.
November 8th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
media could have taken to opportunity to gauge just how many needed help. they need not be the “genie” but through those letters they have received, they could have at least called the attention of the respective community leaders of their letter senders. perhaps, through them, these “respectable” leaders would be awakened from their insensitivity to the plight of their kabarangays. but hachiko’s right–the power must come from within, strive hard and call on god. with regard to our national leaders, forget about them. god would deal with them in his time.
November 8th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
thanks salve for your reminder. it used to be that i was just as poor as mariannet too. that was why how i wished she would have been strong. i has endured hunger, despair and a lot more. however, i stood steadfast in my faith in god that he would somehow see my plight. he did.
November 8th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Rowen
Wait and see and count the number of persons/entities who would offer to give the things that Mariannet had wished for prior to her suicide. Most of these would be telecast, but none can bring Mariannet back to life. Ganyan naman tayong mga Pilipino. Napapansin lang ang paligid pag may problema na. And yet, most of the time dedma lang nang dedma.
____________________________
Yeah, I’ll bet you. Gloria Arroyo, Is one of them. So that her ugly face will be flash all over the newspaper. Ganyan talaga!
November 8th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Jon Limjap
Salina,
Even if there are abundant fruits on a tree, if your life is spent waiting at the bottom of the tree with mouth wide open hoping for the fruit to fall, the effects of the fruitful, rosy tree won’t “trickle down” to you.
You have to learn to climb the tree. And those who know how to climb the tree should help others climb it too.
____________________
I hear you loud and clear! But, The people who you think going to teach us how to climb the tree is too busy incrich themselves. They all protecting each other ass! hulilujah…..
November 8th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
blame all the presidents, name one who did not , steal from us.
November 8th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
juan dela cruz
I wish if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo press to released the 1 billion pesos for poverty alleviation as the term implies, maybe a proper coordination, a check and balance is in place that money really went for the poor family like of Mariannet, and not merely a piece of papers signed by whoever, like in the word of JDV, there should be accountabilities.
__________________________________
Sorry, Juan: Gloria Arroyo, Don’t have any money for the poor people. She only have enough money to pay all her cronies! so that they can protect her ass.
November 8th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
juan dela cruz
PAHABOL LANG PO, LET THE PRESIDENT OR HER EXECUTIVE SECRETARIES READ THESE BLOGS. LET THEM KNOW THEIR SALARIES CAME FROM THE TAXES OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE AND NOT TO THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM DURING ELECTION CAMPAIGNS.
____________________
Juan: You’re absulotely right. The taxepayer’s the one paying their salary, And these idiots are working for us. But they’re the one kicken us around because we let them. That the filipino people fault for letting them get away with anything even murder.
November 8th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
pidro
I think salina and the author of this blog should reopen their eyes and tell themselves to give up everything and be like mother theresa. If they want to be blamed for the death of girl, that is their right. But i guess, leave the others alone who see otherwise. The “paawa” or “biktima” mentality will only worsen the situation. Blaming wont help either.
If there is to blame, we should blame Oskie Cruz for not doing his priestly work better than anyone else. He should be blamed for not doing his heavenly work for he was soooo busy with politics. Maybe his counterpart in Davao was doing the same thing he forget that he should be the one to morally guide those kids and not the government.
For the author of this blog, perhaps he believes that the reason why rich people go richer is becuase they are taking advantage of the unfortunate ones.
The government, the Church, and all of us can only do so much to help one another. But if some of us just want to ask, ask, ask, ask, ask, ask and ask for help … and the salina and the author subscribe to that mentality, then this problem will only get worse.
Perhaps it is about time that we help ourselves first and not expect any help from anybody. If we are all like this, then there is lesser chances that we need to help others.
Kaso, puro kase tayo hingi, hingi, hingi, hingi! And pag di napagbigyan magpapakamatay.
to salina and salve, Perhaps it is about time for guys like you to give up your day job and relocate in the most unfortunate areas and start teaching people to ask for help. Perhaps it is time for both of you to go there to teach them how to farm or to fish rather than promoting the idea of hopelessness.
______________________
Hello, Pidro: My darling! (**) Tsup! He, He, He, He. What make you think that most people are just biggar. Baka ikaw! I think you miss the point. She kill herself because she can’t stand living in poverty any longer. Probably she haven’t eat in a few days too. Have you even think of that. Have you gone through not eating in one day? If so, You should know. If not you don’t know what is like to be hungry. I went through not eating in one day. And I know how its feel. If you haven’t. Try it!
November 8th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Jonas
Well yeah blaming the President solves the issue alright that’s the easiest thing to do. How i wish we have a super Pres, a super government who can prevent these things from happening. Its wishful thinking i know but then we can also do our part and contribute something other than whining and complaining. But then thats just me.
______________
Jonas:
Can you really blame me if I’m blaming the bugos President of cebu. Just look what she’s doing. She had plenty of money to buy off her cronies so that they can protect her ass from her stolen power. If you can’t see the truth. Then you’re blind! WAKE-UP!
November 8th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Dingding
I felt a lump in my chest, reading the story of Mariannet and that of Salve and other comments.
Poverty eradication has been a major thrust of every administration since I was a kid. With almost five decades of my lifetime, still it is the battlecry, unending promise of every politician. The recent barangay election deduced how desperate others want to have a job, that in one barangay, 90 ran for a kagawad. An honorarium of at least P5,000 to P20,000 per month is a job to answer Mariannet’s wishes.
It’s a stark reality how a kagawad would be a lucrative job for job opportunities seem nowhere… to find!
These past two years had been a soul searching for me if to pursue a second course-nursing ,with the hope of joining the bandwagon towards greener pasture, of financial independence, of preparing my five-year old baby a rosy life , not like that of Mariannet’s. Finally, I’ve searched that serving my own country as a government employee would still make a difference, helping others in my own little way.
As the cliche goes, “Contentment starts where comparison ends”. Just counting my blessings each day would realize how richly blessed I am , and to share with others.
While I hope for a renewed society with its leaders really caring for the masses , I still believe, everything stems from ourselves, but should have the support systems like our government ,with its programs of helping the poor … of real opportunities to earn a decent life , addressing human’s basic needs. I remember … this used to be my prayer… to be free from the clutches of poverty. I still believe and hope for a better Philippines, better leaders to steer us to the real growth…when we can no longer hear or read a story like that of Mariannet’s.
______________________
Hi, Dingding. You don’t have to be working in any government office to help other’s. Because I’m the living proof of that. I’m not rich’s I come from in a very poor family and I’m just one of filipino people who got a change leaving the Philippines. I thank god for that in doing so I give back in my barrio.
November 8th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Salve
jon and pidro, you misunderstand me. I don’t think it’s bad for the rich to get richer. It’s the gap that will be harmful to all of us. What we need is for the poor to catch up with the rich and for a more robust middle class.
I agree with you, pidro, that this cannot be done by always asking for help, or blaming anyone, not even the President. Did you read until the bottom of the post, pidro? I was not promoting hopelessness at all. What I was saying is that we can and must all do something about this gap, because it can kick us all in the butt. Starting of course, with ourselves.
________________________________
I don’t have anything against with rich’s people. Because they’re rich’s for a reason. And the poor people are poor for a reason.
But, The only reason there is more poor people in the Philippines because rich’s people are selfist. The don’t know how to give, In fact they look down on poor people because they think that they’re better than anybody else. Even here in America. But, Of course hindi lahat!
I’m pretty sure each and everyone of us are trying our very best to work hard in order to reach our goal. But in the Philippines it doesn’t matter what you do. Nothing happen because there is not enough work for everybody. This is one of the reason why most of filipino people are working abroad in order to survive. These are very lucky! but not everybody are lucky especially this little girl, she knows that its better to die then go hungry everyday.
WHY CAN GLORIA ARROYO, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. OR IS IT THAT SHE ONLY HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO BUY OFF HER CRONIES SO THAT THEY CAN PROTECT HER ASS IN MALACANYANG PALACE. HOW CAN SHE EVEN SLEEP AT NIGHT KNOWING THAT MOST OF FILIPINO PEOPLE GO TO BED HUNGRY!
November 8th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Salve
hilaria and salina, i know how you feel. but emotions aside, the economy really did grow decently in the last couple of years. despite our president sitting in Malacanang. not thanks to her, but despite her. As I hinted in my post, there’s no use blaming anyone. I think, and that’s just my opinion, its better if we start with how we ourselves can do something to change things, first of all with being more careful about financial responsibility.
_______________________________
Hi, There! Salve: It doesn’t matter how bad we want to change nothing good will happen because the people you vote who you think can run the country the one robbing the country coffer.
Salve: How can you even call Gloria Arroyo, President when we all know in fact that she only stole her title not once but twice. In my book she don’t deserve to be a leader. She’s nothing but a liar, A thief and a power grabber.
As the record show, Gloria Arroyo, Et al. Kick Erap in Malacanyang palace so that they’re the one can rob the government coffer. As we all can see it. If you can’t see the truth then we’re doom as a nation.
November 8th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
jon and pidro, you misunderstand me. I don’t think it’s bad for the rich to get richer. It’s the gap that will be harmful to all of us. What we need is for the poor to catch up with the rich and for a more robust middle class.
I agree with you, pidro, that this cannot be done by always asking for help, or blaming anyone, not even the President. Did you read until the bottom of the post, pidro? I was not promoting hopelessness at all. What I was saying is that we can and must all do something about this gap, because it can kick us all in the butt. Starting of course, with ourselves.
November 8th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
rowen, yeah. it has already began (sigh)
November 8th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
hilaria and salina, i know how you feel. but emotions aside, the economy really did grow decently in the last couple of years. despite our president sitting in Malacanang. not thanks to her, but despite her. As I hinted in my post, there’s no use blaming anyone. I think, and that’s just my opinion, its better if we start with how we ourselves can do something to change things, first of all with being more careful about financial responsibility.
November 8th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
I felt a lump in my chest, reading the story of Mariannet and that of Salve and other comments.
Poverty eradication has been a major thrust of every administration since I was a kid. With almost five decades of my lifetime, still it is the battlecry, unending promise of every politician. The recent barangay election deduced how desperate others want to have a job, that in one barangay, 90 ran for a kagawad. An honorarium of at least P5,000 to P20,000 per month is a job to answer Mariannet’s wishes.
It’s a stark reality how a kagawad would be a lucrative job for job opportunities seem nowhere… to find!
These past two years had been a soul searching for me if to pursue a second course-nursing ,with the hope of joining the bandwagon towards greener pasture, of financial independence, of preparing my five-year old baby a rosy life , not like that of Mariannet’s. Finally, I’ve searched that serving my own country as a government employee would still make a difference, helping others in my own little way.
As the cliche goes, “Contentment starts where comparison ends”. Just counting my blessings each day would realize how richly blessed I am , and to share with others.
While I hope for a renewed society with its leaders really caring for the masses , I still believe, everything stems from ourselves, but should have the support systems like our government ,with its programs of helping the poor … of real opportunities to earn a decent life , addressing human’s basic needs. I remember … this used to be my prayer… to be free from the clutches of poverty. I still believe and hope for a better Philippines, better leaders to steer us to the real growth…when we can no longer hear or read a story like that of Mariannet’s.
November 8th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Well yeah blaming the President solves the issue alright that’s the easiest thing to do. How i wish we have a super Pres, a super government who can prevent these things from happening. Its wishful thinking i know but then we can also do our part and contribute something other than whining and complaining. But then thats just me.
November 8th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
I think salina and the author of this blog should reopen their eyes and tell themselves to give up everything and be like mother theresa. If they want to be blamed for the death of girl, that is their right. But i guess, leave the others alone who see otherwise. The “paawa” or “biktima” mentality will only worsen the situation. Blaming wont help either.
If there is to blame, we should blame Oskie Cruz for not doing his priestly work better than anyone else. He should be blamed for not doing his heavenly work for he was soooo busy with politics. Maybe his counterpart in Davao was doing the same thing he forget that he should be the one to morally guide those kids and not the government.
For the author of this blog, perhaps he believes that the reason why rich people go richer is becuase they are taking advantage of the unfortunate ones.
The government, the Church, and all of us can only do so much to help one another. But if some of us just want to ask, ask, ask, ask, ask, ask and ask for help … and the salina and the author subscribe to that mentality, then this problem will only get worse.
Perhaps it is about time that we help ourselves first and not expect any help from anybody. If we are all like this, then there is lesser chances that we need to help others.
Kaso, puro kase tayo hingi, hingi, hingi, hingi! And pag di napagbigyan magpapakamatay.
to salina and salve, Perhaps it is about time for guys like you to give up your day job and relocate in the most unfortunate areas and start teaching people to ask for help. Perhaps it is time for both of you to go there to teach them how to farm or to fish rather than promoting the idea of hopelessness.
November 8th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
PAHABOL LANG PO, LET THE PRESIDENT OR HER EXECUTIVE SECRETARIES READ THESE BLOGS. LET THEM KNOW THEIR SALARIES CAME FROM THE TAXES OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE AND NOT TO THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM DURING ELECTION CAMPAIGNS.
November 8th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
I wish if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo press to released the 1 billion pesos for poverty alleviation as the term implies, maybe a proper coordination, a check and balance is in place that money really went for the poor family like of Mariannet, and not merely a piece of papers signed by whoever, like in the word of JDV, there should be accountabilities.
November 8th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
Salina,
Even if there are abundant fruits on a tree, if your life is spent waiting at the bottom of the tree with mouth wide open hoping for the fruit to fall, the effects of the fruitful, rosy tree won’t “trickle down” to you.
You have to learn to climb the tree. And those who know how to climb the tree should help others climb it too.
November 8th, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Salve,
What I don’t like is the “the rich is getting richer, the poor is getting poorer” rhetoric.
While it is lamentable that the poor are getting poorer, is it bad, or at least, bad enough to contrast to, the fact that the rich are getting richer?
Isnt’ that supposed to be a good thing? Isn’t that supposed to be the personal goal of many entrepreneurs, the ability to apply the magic of compounded interest to be able to get richer at an exponential rate?
Why imply that the rich are getting richer is a bad thing?
November 8th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Wait and see and count the number of persons/entities who would offer to give the things that Mariannet had wished for prior to her suicide. Most of these would be telecast, but none can bring Mariannet back to life. Ganyan naman tayong mga Pilipino. Napapansin lang ang paligid pag may problema na. And yet, most of the time dedma lang nang dedma.
November 8th, 2007 at 10:15 am
hachiko
Saw this article over internet Salve. My mum’s from Davao and I’ve spent summer holidays there so I get to see how things are there.
Agriculture employs 40% of Filipinos but generates just 12% of GDP. Subsistence farming is a tragic reality in the South.
“We’re all to blame” - it’s rhetoric, sorry po. Over there we’d prefer taking personal responsibility for tragedies like these. How can two parents unable to make ends meet have seven children too many? Why are the girl’s older siblings nowhere in sight?
We can’t change the world. Only ourselves.
___________________________
Well as you already know in the Philippines it doesn’t matter how poor they’re they always have lots of kids even though they can’t afford to feed them. And as for her other sibling have you ever thought that they might not have a job. But that is not the point. The point is there is not enough work in the Philippines for everybody this is one of the reason why most of filipino people are working in other country. You can thank the bugos President of cebu for that. Because she’s the one selling the filipino people to the highest bidder. The people who have a change to work abroad are very lucky. But not everybody is lucky. Just like the parent of this girl who kill herself because of poverty. I guess she choice to die then live the life that she can’t even eat not even 1 x a day. You can’t blame her at all.
November 8th, 2007 at 10:07 am
hilaria clington
I pity her. How I wish she had been stronger if only for herself. I’m at a loss for who to first blame for her plight. Was it her parents, the community or media? I included the media because she was relying on that show to read her note but she’s just one of those thousands wishing their letter would be responded to. But surely, they can’t answer all that everyone wishes for. Perhaps the better response to that would have been to gather all those letters and coordinate with their respective community leaders so that somehow they could address the problem of their impoverished kabarangay.
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why are you blaming the media? why not blame the people who keep robbing the government coffer for their endeavor while the rest of filipino people are starving.
November 8th, 2007 at 10:00 am
I can’t stop crying after reading this. I can’t stop thinking on what Gloria Arroyo, Were saying that the Philippines economy is rosy. If it is true why is it there is more and more filipino people are starving, In fact they’re killing themselves because they can’t even afford to buy their grocery. I’ll say Gloria Arroyo, Lying to her teeth. The only people who’s benifited on the so call blooming economy is her croonies who keep robbing the government coffer. While the rest of filipino people are STARVING. For as long as Gloria Arroyo, The one in power there is more and more filipino people going to kill themsleves because of hunger.
I’LL SAY, ITS TIME TO UNITE AND KICK THE BUGOS PRESIDENT OF CEBU. Salina
November 8th, 2007 at 9:34 am
I pity her. How I wish she had been stronger if only for herself. I’m at a loss for who to first blame for her plight. Was it her parents, the community or media? I included the media because she was relying on that show to read her note but she’s just one of those thousands wishing their letter would be responded to. But surely, they can’t answer all that everyone wishes for. Perhaps the better response to that would have been to gather all those letters and coordinate with their respective community leaders so that somehow they could address the problem of their impoverished kabarangay.
November 8th, 2007 at 9:01 am
hachiko, that’s the best world-changing strategy — the one that starts from the individual. of course, i can hear the pessimists giving a collective sigh. sometimes i even doubt it myself. but not today, friend. not today.
November 8th, 2007 at 8:26 am
Saw this article over internet Salve. My mum’s from Davao and I’ve spent summer holidays there so I get to see how things are there.
Agriculture employs 40% of Filipinos but generates just 12% of GDP. Subsistence farming is a tragic reality in the South.