When we walk in the street, we often stand tall with our chin up to pretend and to make ourselves known that we are strong. The world is full of pretensions. People pretend to be happy but in reality their lives are in the most miserable kind of living in the point that they have no food to eat, clothe to wear and a house to dwell. Last night I have watched a documentary film. In the film, I have seen how the “basureros” or scavengers strive for living. They collect garbage in order for them to earn something and make use of it for buying food. The same is true with those who are living under or on some abandoned bridges; they collect “batchoys” or leftovers from some fast food restaurants. They collect “batchoys” for them to satisfy their hunger. After they gather, they cook it again. They put heat on the food for they believe that any kind of bacteria or germs will be eliminated. After the cooking session, its time, they eat and share the “batchoys”.
I have watched how they chew and swallow the “batchoys”, they eat and share with a smile on their lips and contentment on their eyes. However, I personally disbelieve their happiness and contentment. I believe that they are just pretending from people or themselves that they are happy on what they are doing or on what their life is. They have created an ideology that would certainly cover their senses from the reality and which convinces them that collecting and eating of “batchoys” are a happy reality and a necessity. They believe that collecting and eating “batchoy” is the only option they have to live or to survive. Thus, as long as the ideology is there, they would not stop collecting and eating “batchoys” and live in a miserable life.
The government and the Church must eradicate that kind of ideology by introducing some options for living. There are some programs made for that reason, but I think they are insufficient, for there are still many who live under bridges or living in the squatters. We often blame and criticize those who are in the authority. We criticize and put blame to others but we are doing nothing that can contribute for the welfare of the people.
As a student, what would be our contribution for the benefit of our underprivileged brothers and sisters? I believe the first thing that we must do is to know and to be conscious that there are many who live only through “batchoys” and through collecting garbage. Second, we must study well to learn and have enough knowledge not only of abstract things but also of the world or the philosophy of life. Third and the most important one, we must practice what we have learned. I believe by not pretending of not seeing those people and by practicing what we have learned for the people’s welfare, this world will be a happy world.

Let us not give up on them!!!

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