EDITORIAL - People must learn not to rely on the government all the time

Today is the day when things go back to normal or at least the new normal. And not for all of us, only those of us who are allowed to return to our jobs or businesses.

For the past two months most of us have been cooped up in our homes due to quarantine restrictions because of the global pandemic. If there is anything that these past two months should have taught us, it is that we should be prepared to look after our own needs and not depend on the government to take care of everything all the time.

Yes, the government has some responsibility in taking care of those who were suddenly left jobless, those who were totally caught unprepared when COVID-19 suddenly appeared. There were those who needed money, food, and other supplies quickly because the COVID-19 threat suddenly came on so fast.

However, the government cannot be expected to take care of the needs of everyone and all the time. Its money and resources are finite, and it has other vital functions to perform aside from feeding and supplying people.

Those who want to avoid a repeat of the misery they went through, like the waiting for rice and enduring the long lines to get cash aid, or those who want to survive whatever life throws their way, are advised to make sure they never have to turn to the government for their needs.

We realize this is easier said than done, but the consequences of being unprepared to take care of ourselves and always relying on the government for everything are worse.

There is still no telling how our fight against COVID-19 will go. There may yet be a second wave or even a third, so if that happens and the government has to enforce quarantine measures in some areas of the country anew, millions will again demand to be fed and supplied.

We can’t say for certain that the government still has enough money and resources for this.

The very survival of not just our families but also our country is why we should make sure we are able to feed and supply ourselves during difficult times.