FREELY given is often barely appreciated. It is a hard truth to swallow, but it is one we see repeatedly, especially in a society grappling with the long-term effects of unearned benefits.
Take the government’s ayuda program, which, though necessary during the height of the pandemic, continues in some forms today. What began as a lifeline for struggling families is now being critiqued for unintentionally fostering dependency, even mendicancy, to some of the beneficiaries.
Instead of empowering individuals to rise from their circumstances, evaluations suggest government ayuda is producing a cohort of complacent, entitled recipients—far from the self-reliant, industrious, and productive citizens the program was and is meant to support.
It is a disheartening trend. The ayuda was a testament to the spirit of bayanihan, a collective effort to uplift those in need. But as the months turned into years, the narrative shifted. Stories emerged of beneficiaries who refused jobs, relying instead on cash handouts, families expecting continuous support without making efforts to improve their situation, or public officials shamelessly using this for their political campaigns.
While it is unfair to paint all recipients with the same brush, the underlying issue remains: aid without accountability risks creating dependency rather than dignity.
This pattern of undervaluing what is freely given is not confined to social programs. Consider free higher education, a landmark policy, penned by the good Sen. Bam Aquino, that has opened the doors of universities to countless students. Yet, some squander this privilege—skipping classes, submitting lackluster work, and demanding grades they do not deserve.
The entitlement is palpable: the education is free, so there is no perceived urgency to take it seriously. But here is the catch: nothing is truly free. Taxpayers foot the bill, while society feels the impact of poorly educated graduates.
Similarly, we often overlook the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we enjoy daily. These basic necessities, seemingly abundant, are the result of complex systems and sacrifices. Clean air is the fruit of environmental advocacy; potable water requires infrastructure; and the food we eat involves the labor of farmers and workers. Yet, their true worth only becomes apparent when scarcity strikes — when smog clouds our cities, water supply runs low, or food prices soar.
The same holds true for our rights and freedoms. These were not handed to us effortlessly; they were won through the blood, sweat, and lives of our heroes and activists. Every protest, every sacrifice, every battle fought in the name of justice carved out the liberties we now enjoy.
But how often do we honor this legacy? Some use their freedoms recklessly—complaining about governance without voting, or abusing human rights without upholding their own responsibilities. Freedom, much like higher education, is not free—it is a mandate to act responsibly and contribute meaningfully. (To be continued)/PN
