Can we measure progress by the number of infrastructure mushrooming left and right in our metropolis? They do look good; we’ll give them that, be it business firms, malls, restaurants, and technological hubs.

But it may just be a sign of the times: that the rich keeps getting richer, and the poor keeps growing in numbers.

Sometimes, reality has a way of rearing its ugly head. In malls, we see children in their school uniforms selling sampaguitas. Conspiracy theorists may say they are instruments of syndicates. But we don’t really know that. What if they were really just trying to get by? If they only had a guarantee that there will be food on their tables thrice daily, would they even bother wasting time plying their trade? Would these children choose to wander aimlessly in overpasses and footbridges than study properly?

These are examples of issues that may not be as controversial as removing a Chief Justice in office. But they still deserve the attention of the authorities. The problems of poverty are usually invisible to people who are drunk in power or prestige; but they directly affect everyone. These are the very same people who expected change. Constructions and other mega-projects are visible outputs, but progress is best felt when it’s closest to the comfort and stomach of the ordinary citizen.

[Entry 255, The SubSelfie Blog]

About the Author:

Keive Ozia Casimiro is the Director of Liceo di San Lorenzo in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. He is also an Author and Consultant for San Antonio Publishing. He has also held stints as an Accreditor for PACUCOA and as Management Consultant for Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation.