GMA adopts her father’s simple-living policy

During President Diosdado Macapagal’s administration, the main motto of the government was "Simple Living" and President Macapagal was the very first to set the example right in Malacañang. The government was very frugal with all government expenses. We had the honor and privilege of being Secretary of Education at that time and I remember that our salary was unbelievably low because it was still based on the 1935 Constitution. To make matters worse, Manila was the second most destroyed city in World War II and so there were literally no buildings to house government offices.

The office of the Department of Education was the Quonset huts abandoned by the American troops in what is now Arroceros Forest Park. They could not be air-conditioned and the only ventilation we got was from open windows. We also recall that whenever we had Cabinet meetings, the meals served were very frugal. Many persons criticized Doña Eva Macapagal for managing Malacañang with strict austerity. To her credit, we must say that at the end of every annual fiscal year, she never used all the austere budget alloted to the Palace. She still managed to make big savings. In short, the first family was the very first to set the example of "Simple Living".

We are very glad that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has adopted the very same policy of her father, "Simplicity and Austerity in Government". We live in hard times and every peso counts. Simplicity and austerity should be adopted by our entire community. It would be good if top businessmen also adopted the policy in their different offices.

One of our biggest problems today is the street children. As far as we are concerned, they represent the Holy Innocents who were slain by Heroes when he massacred all children from two years old and under to ensure that "The Babe" who was destined to become the "King of Jews" was slain. They were the very first Christian martyrs and they died, not only for Christ, but in place of the Baby Jesus. Our street children are a problem that deserves the very top priority.

We are undergoing an economic crisis. Let us hope for the best but be prepared for whatever may come. The best way is to start holding a simple and austere life right now. Let us not wait for things to get worse. Most important of all, let us use the money we save through simple living to help the disadvantaged and less fortunate citizens. Times are hard and for many Filipinos, times have always been hard.

In short, we ask the more fortunate to live simply in order that they may help the plight of the less fortunate. Let us be Christians in the real sense.