We Sing, We Dance, We Save the World

II: Assuncion, Martija, Maske, Matibag, Medrano, Omolida

Question: How do we solve poverty?

To answer this question, we begin by first defining the term “poverty”. For us, poverty can be seen under two perspectives that together form a whole. First, poverty is a way of life. It is a principle of complacency and acceptance of mediocrity, so long as the basic necessities of life are satisfied on a day-to-day basis. Moreover, it is a way of thinking, one that has kept the victims of poverty below. Second, objectively speaking, poverty is not having the adequate resources to maintain one’s standard of living. This does not go as far as saying that the term “resources” are constrained only to material things, but also to other necessities that society expects of its people (such as, education, job opportunities, jobs, moral upbringing, character development, work ethics, etc.) to avoid the trap of poverty.

Given this definition, our group proposes a regulation and rehabilitation program, designed for those who live below the poverty line. Informal settlements all over the country will be improved into suburban compounds, where everything will be improved; roads will be paved, a school and health centre will be built, and a local government official (like a barangay captain) will be installed to maintain peace and order. Their shanty houses will be reconstructed with sturdier and safer material. As for the rehabilitation part, there will be seminars and education programs to help the poor get on the right track in using their new community to their advantage. As for the job market, there will initially be a livelihood program, and the members of the community will be compensated for working to build their new and improved suburban settlements.

Title reference: We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things (2008 album of Jason Mraz)