Politicians should start being public servants

The elections are over and though the tallying of votes is still ongoing, some winning candidates are eager to voice out their pent up criticisms. We cannot help but notice that those candidates leading in the count have started the mudslinging against the administration. Shouldn’t they, instead, start thanking God for their “fortune” and the support they got from the electorate? When they are finally proclaimed as winners, wouldn’t it be better if they can render an inaugural speech that not only thanks the people for their support but which also presents a concrete, workable plan for the benefit of their respective constituents?

The incidence of growing hunger in the country, as reported by the Social Weather Station is one particular issue over which accusations are being thrown, as if this will start to alleviate the problem. The problem is, the more people just keep talking and grandstanding about it, the bigger it becomes. This has actually been an unresolved issue for decades, worsened by political meddling that has led past poverty alleviation efforts astray.

Hunger is essentially a question of poverty — people are starving because they cannot afford to buy food. Annual World Bank reports attest that the problem of poverty and hunger has already been there even from the post-war years up to the Marcos era, hence the growth of insurgency in the countryside. Poverty seemingly declined, as reported by post-Marcos administrations, but actually, the problem still persists.

The objectivity, accuracy and credibility of surveys by non-government groups is another matter. NEDA, the government office backed by all the expertise, manpower and resources, could not muster to update the census statistics and lessen a backlog of three years. We know that a 2001 report records the Philippine population at 80 million and that this grows at an average of two percent annually. A percentage increase in population may easily negate any percentage improvement on a yearly basis. Our point is, a survey group cannot afford to release a partial report that is not based on the most accurate and updated data, or one that is done at random. Another important thing that genuinely concerned politicians can do is test the validity of such reports and rally the others to work together and come up with something concrete to address the problem at its roots.

I am touched by the compassion of an American ministry led by volunteer Mr. Paul Krosnowski, who, under his program called “Feed My Starving Children” solicited the financial support of his colleagues back home to be able to deliver two containers of food to feed the children in Laoang Island, Northern Samar. The containers included enough food to provide about 540,000 meals. He saw a need and he just acted on it. The more important thing is he plans to continue the program he started to provide not only meal rations, but also free medical care, new classrooms and school supplies.

Elected politicians, the problem may be right under your noses. Find the solution. Give the Filipinos the service they deserve. After all, they voted for you.