Pay attention to poverty-alleviation programs, Loren tells government

Senator Loren Legarda yesterday cautioned the government to pay attention to its poverty-alleviation programs in the aftermath of the horrible tragedy involving a family of four that committed suicide in Magdalena, Laguna Tuesday.

Legarda said the tragedy should be enough warning on the government to strive to put in long-term measures intended to alleviate the millions of Filipino families living below poverty line.

Legarda said that in the face of this terrible indictment of our society in these times, we need a concerted effort from the communities, church, social institutions, schools and other sectors to help desperate families cope with mounting pressures brought about by poverty.

"The government must take the lead role to strengthen families and communities to cope with stress associated with poverty," Legarda said.

Last Tuesday morning, Janet Ponce, 32, had her three children aged 4, 3 and 2, drink toilet bowl cleaner and then proceeded to drink the same poison herself. The four died. The father was said to be in Manila working as a carpenter.

"In all likelihood, the pressures and anxieties of poverty played a major role in this tragedy," Legarda said. "There are millions of other poor families in possibly worse situations."

Legarda said that while there may be some other reasons pending the police investigation on the case, the message of this tragedy should push us to strive for more.

The latest survey conducted by Social Weather Survey revealed that two out of five (40%), or about 7.1 million Filipino families consider themselves "mahirap" or poor in terms of food.

The survey was done for the First Quarter 2008. The result was higher than the 34 % in the previous chapter, which means that the poverty is getting worse.

"We have to pause and talk about this sad event," Legarda said in her privilege speech as she sought help and understanding among her colleagues in the Senate after the shocking tragedy that befell on the Ponce family.

"We have to be bothered by this tragedy. We cannot let this pass without reflection and comment,' she added.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Legarda said that the local governments from barangays to municipalities and cities may have to provide some form of social safety nets for families in desperate situations.

The tragedy happened while the father was in Manila working as a carpenter, although Legarda said it may not be the real reason for the mother to commit suicide, saying there are thousands of Filipino families whose fathers are working abroad or working away from home?

"What can our national government do about assisting our LGUs (Local Government Units) become more sensitive and responsive to families on the brink of self-destruction?" she sadded.

We may need to find ways to provide emergency counseling, access to crisis hot lines and other forms of phycho-social assistance that can enable them to successfully cope with the psychological, apart from the material, burdens of poverty.