President Marcos: Filipinos want livelihood, not dole-out

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has vowed to sustain his administration’s livelihood programs, citing the “Filipino mentality” which he said is not reliant on dole-outs.

In his YouTube vlog on Saturday, Marcos gave a recap of his activities last week, which included his Independence Day celebration attendance, the launching of various development programs and the distribution of different types of government assistance to residents affected by the restiveness of Mayon Volcano.

Marcos said giving of immediate relief to the needy would continue, but clarified that the distribution program goes beyond doling out cash.

“The quest for freedom from poverty is a struggle that the government continues to face. So the distribution of aid that temporarily assists our countrymen will not be stopped. It provides immediate relief to thousands of Filipino families. But our distribution program is different because it does not only provide financial aid. We also provide livelihood means,” Marcos said in Filipino.

He cited the distribution of farm equipment like harvesters and rice seeders, the government’s integrated livelihood and internship programs and scholarships.

“These are not just cash assistance, but an opportunity for Filipinos to find livelihood. They are not just relying on aid. What we are seeing is in times of need, Filipinos do not just wait for assistance. Filipinos are diligent and it would be better for Filipinos if they work, if they have a sure source of income and if there is hope that they will be able to improve their plight,” the President said.

“That’s the Filipino mentality. They prefer to work than to rely on aid. This is an example of freedom from lack of opportunities to earn a living,” he added.

Marcos said other countries play a role in the Philippines’ goal to achieve economic development, specifically through trade and investments that create jobs and efforts to maintain peace in the region and to take care of overseas Filipino workers.

He reiterated his call for unity, saying it is the only way to free Filipinos from any trial they are facing as a nation.

The Philippines’ friendship with countries that became part of its history would provide more opportunities to diligent and talented Filipinos, Marcos added.

In the same vlog entry, he gave assurance that the government is ready in case the restiveness of Mayon Volcano drags on for months. He said the evacuees in Albay are in good condition and have received assistance.

“Even if their evacuation is prolonged, the government is ready to give aid to those who were evacuated from the six-kilometer radius of the Mayon Volcano,” Marcos said.

Last Thursday, the President said the government has enough funds to assist those who were displaced by the volcano’s activities. However, he reminded agencies to study the needs of the evacuees and to consider issues that are not quantifiable, like their mental health and the education of their children.