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In addition to relocating the poor Andoy victims away from congested Metro Manila, I suggest that in the future, visitors from faraway islands should be required to get first a working or a student visa (like the way the US and other countries do), before going to Luzon.

 

This is not meant to discriminate against our fellow Filipinos but prevent them from becoming like Pinoy TNTs worldwide. These daring people must be told the survival of the fittest in a dog-eat-dog Metro Manila life.

 

I, too, came from the province but when I went to Manila I was armed with a HS diploma to study in college precisely to prepare for my future. Sure enough, I did not end up pushing carts selling whatever, walk the nights selling Balut, or accept lowly jobs and living on sidewalks.

 

Proud, not really, but I am happy that I and my family are not a burden to society.. My experience is typical of the thousands of provincianos who studied in Manila and survived. It is not the same with the misadventures of thousands of Manila dwellers and squatters who one day embarked on an empty quest to find some misadventures in Manila armed only with a dream: see the malls, high rise buildings,, marry and produce children in a concrete Jungle.

 

These misguided adventurers are no different from undocumented Pinoys abroad who end up as TNT’s leading abnormal lives because they can’t get legal and decent jobs.

 

If only authorities and civic organizations would survey the past histories of these homeless people who like to be called “poor”, they’ll come up with tear-jerking stories of their dog-gone lives on esteros, under the bridge, and along-the-riles. Even rags-to-riches stories were not born in a vacuum.

 

The small time sari-sari now supermarket owner will tell you that he went to school first before he went to business; the janitor-turned-manager is successful because he learned the ropes in college.

 

The bottom line is: don’t’ go to Luzon especially Metro Manila unless you study or have a promised job. Don’t ever think you can spend the rest of your life promenading the malls and then doing odd, illegal or criminal jobs just to put some food in that empty stomach. No way.

 

The United States is a land of opportunity only for the qualified. It is strict with visitors and tourists to protect itself from becoming a haven for TNT’s and the homeless.

 

On the other hand, our nation allows itself to be abused and slowly eaten away by its own people. No wonder it is not going anywhere. Democracy does not guarantee equality. It promises only equitability, meaning you can do it if you have it.

 

as of 10/22/2009 6:46 PM

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