"Most Filipino people are hungry now, including me, my stomach is empty and many children are crying because there is no food. Why do poor people suffer and die? There is no chance for them to overcome their fear! If you are concerned, you must be willing to help me find a job. Masaya ka ba na kumakain ka ng masarap tapos kami walang work? Sumasakit ang t'yan namin sa gutom…"
Sounds desperate? Well, maybe. These lines came from one of my applicants. Yes, I have been working in the Human Resource Department (HRD) of a recruitment company where unemployment becomes an ordinary face I meet nearly everyday. I rub with the elbows of desperate applicants swarming a single job. I also see how the company terminates an employee. For many times, I just end up saying "meron na namang isang pamilyang magugutom". The feeling is just disheartening as how you see and hear about employees being exploited and deprived of their rights.
"Habang may nagugutom, mayroong pa ring kawalang hustisya", these lines I heard from the recent bible forum I attended was both a relief and a challenge to me. It is truly undeniable that while many bask and luxuriate themselves in worldly splendor, many families remain homeless, starving and trying to console themselves with endless hope in the midst of poverty. And while people like them have nothing at all, those in the seat of power keep on asking for more.
Ironically, the economic growth claimed by the government is never felt by the masses. For the least of the society, house for every family and food in every table are the most basal measures of democracy.
It is certainly a dream of everybody to have a lucrative or even at least a simple job that can defray everyday expenses. And in a country like the Philippines where unemployment and underemployment thrive, everybody must be dreaming to leave the country as if it were on fire just for the sake of a greener pasture. Many are forced to go abroad at a very young age.
Young people are no excuse in this issue. Not even me. In fact, I also attempted to apply once. I knew it would have been very easy for me since international recruitment is one of our company services and I can say that the best of foreign countries is just a few steps away from me. I would have grabbed those opportunities only if God did not remind me of the path He has prepared ahead of me. I realized my commitment to the young people of our church and all the plans He has perfectly crafted for me.
Still pondering…