THE usual use for decades of the term government “aid” has apparently associated with power that makes people beg. It speaks mostly through broken promises because that’s what has been practiced.
Until now, it’s being abused and used it again and again as if to deliberately inculcate in the people’s mind that use of “aid” is proper. Yes, it’s true people need something the government must provide in return.
The use of the term “aid” in many forms, aid to the barangay, aid to typhoon/calamity victims, Assistance to Individuals to Crisis Situation (AICS), government subsidy as “aid” for fuel, etcetera, connotes a misnomer or contradiction to what the government is supposed to do. True governance in limbo.
Please be reminded that the government in its truest term is the people and “all powers (sovereignty included) emanate from them,” as what the 1987 Constitution so provides.
We still believe that the government should be “of the people, by the people and for the people.” Mao gani nga matag election mopili kita sa mga tarung ug ligdong nga mga lideres. Apan, unsay nahitabo ug kanunayng mahitabo, naanod gihapon ang pagpili kay napalit o gipalit ang ilang sagradong mga boto. It reflects who we truly are.
I firmly believe that the use of the term “ayuda” or “aid” in the guise of generosity is inappropriate, if not misplaced. The government can never be generous. The people are.
The people, not just elect them, are the ones who pay the government workers/officials’ regular salaries/wages thru their taxes. Because we all pay taxes, not just income tax.
A President once said “Kayo ang boss ko.” Asa na man ka karon?
So, what should be the appropriate term to use in uplifting the people’s daily living? If I may, I proposed to use the term just “serbisyo,” or “service.” No matter how leaders/politicians look at it. Let’s encourage them to avoid mouthing the term” aid” in their speeches.
Kay kon mogamit sa “ayuda” mora’g ang salapi (or in kind) nga ilang ihatag nagagikan sa mga politico, which is wrongfully thought of. And I think it’s time for realization and change the mentality of both the politician/leaders in admin and the people.
Educating us all thru conscientization is the best weapon for integrity of the government service. And any suggestion for other term than “service” is welcome. (09284085238/ricobdencio@yahoo.com)
