In a press conference held Monday, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Southern Mindanao said they will mobilize thousands from the urban poor, farmers, workers, youth and indigenous peoples to show how the poor are reeling from government’s policies.
By Tyrone Velez
Davao Today
Davao City – President Benigno Aquino III may brag about the country’s growth in his forthcoming State of the Nation Address on Monday, but activists say this means nothing to the poor.
In a press conference held Monday, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Southern Mindanao said they will mobilize thousands from the urban poor, farmers, workers, youth and indigenous peoples to show how the poor are reeling from government’s policies.
Sheena Duazo, spokesperson for Bayan said the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 7.8% said “the growth was boosted by election spending and infrastructure, which do not contribute in any way to long-term development.”
Duazo cited statistics showing 12.5 million people consider themselves poor, as unemployment remains at a high 7% nationwide. Davao region’s unemployment is higher at 8%.
Urban poor women leader Cora Espinoza of Samakana said such conditions were not alleviated by Aquino’s Conditional Cash Transfer program citing that “such doleouts cannot sustain the daily needs of the poor as prices of goods keep on increasing. People need jobs and accessible social services.” The president has recently boosted the CCT budget from Php 5 billion to 34 billion.
Social services are also threatened by Aquino’s public-privatization partnership (PPP) scheme, according to Bayan. The government’s plan to slash health and education budget is depriving the people of services.
Duazo also criticized the planned charter change saying that the move is “pushed by Aquino’s (Liberal) party and the big businesses that backed his presidency.” She pointed out that Congress’ agenda of charter change is to lift the restrictions on foreign ownership of vital industries and services.
“It’s been three years of the same policies that favor the rich and depriving the poor, thus Aquino deserves a failing grade,” said Duazo.
Gabriela’s Mary Ann Sapar added, “Aquino’s daang matuwid (righteous path) is actually leading us to our deaths.”
Activists would stage protests activities starting today until Monday’s Sona. (Tyrone A. Velez/davaotoday.com)
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