The Philippines has long been plagued by poverty and the lack of social assistance to the far-flung provinces. This is the reason why I am most passionate about SDG 1, 3, and 4. a call for accessible education, government aid, and ultimately, address the growing poverty rate.
I grew in the southernmost region of Luzon – the biggest island in the archipelago. There, I grew up to see and feel the difficulties of fellow Filipino children who belong to poor and low-income families (around 10 million families/ 50 Million Filipinos). Students would go to school wearing worn-out slippers, carrying old books passed down from upperclassmen only to find themselves with fifty others cramped in a hot classroom. Some would have to walk long distances back home after class, and do their homework in poorly lit homes.
In 2015 I was lucky to be accepted in a prestigious State University. This opened my eyes further. there is a lack in healthcare, clean water supply, waste management etc. in the country, again mostly in the far regions. Ultimately, some ethnic tribes and indigenous communities like the Lumad are attacked and displaced after losing lands rightly theirs, in exchange for ambitious projects like mines, waterways/ dams, and many more.
Children in these communities are most vulnerable (ex. 9 out of 10 Lumad children don’t have access to education). They would travel to other places like Metro Manila to establish alternative classrooms (one in my university) whilst protesting and demanding justice and better treatment.
To help the country and the world get a step closer to that dream, I had taken up different campaigns and positions that helped bring light to the different issues within the nation. Participating in community outreaches dedicated to teach families their children’s basic rights, to co-operating large scale events, made me realize many need help, but as many are willing to help. One of the biggest events I handled merged campaigns for issues like Urban Poor, Human Rights and Academic Freedom into concerts featuring local artists. protests and music filled the air of the 6-night event with thousands of audiences uniting under popular songs and heartfelt speeches of advocacy speakers.
Much more could be done to give people a voice and help them make a statement that would resonate in society. It is up to us to innovate and explore ways to help them have a better tomorrow.