The inquirer article is dated around April 8-9,2012. The gist of the article is that despite economic gains by the Philippines as a whole, the poor don't really receive the benefits of such developments. They are still poor.
instead of insinuating blame on the lack of the program or administration, the poor should take responsibility for its "poor condition".
As a rebuttal I use China as an example:
1. China has actually overtaken the Philippines in average cost of living. Once upon a time, china was very cheap, esp. during the 1980's. It was 40% lower than the Philippines. That is no longer true. Living in China is more expensive than the Philippines.
2. Average salaries in China are lower than the Philippines. Period.
3. China has a higher savings rate (25%). Comparing it to the wastrel spoiled USA (5%).
4. Chinese families are spending more. More than ever before esp. with the one child policy. Doting parents use all of their investment on their "singular" gem. Despite this. Despite their claim that they are "unable to save". They still save more than other nationalities.
Point being, why can chinese who have smaller salaries and higher costs of living manage to save more money than the equivalent filipinos?
Prudence and discipline. Filipinos, like Americans, spend too much money and lack the discipline and prudence to save or plan for the long term.
It is not that the government isn't doing its job, It is the undisciplined people not squeezing their belts, spending on needless fiestas and parties, cellphone load, beer with friends, gifts for birthdays, even when they have little money.
As an actual example, I have an employee who is living in a poor area and is asking for CA (cash advance from salary) (around P20,000) or a loan to pay for their housing. I DIDN'T APPROVE IT since it will solve nothing. 2 weeks later, their family held a 1st birthday party in Jolibee. Spending appx. P20,000.
Go figure.
What does this have to do with health?
Exactly the same thing. (please backread)