Book review: Govt publication argues growth is not enough

“Boses ng Pagbabago (Voices of Change)” is a government publication about poverty in a glossy package.

 

Through over a dozen well-written essays alongside photographs both in black and white and a kaleidoscope of colors, the book describes the efforts of government agencies focused on "human development and poverty reduction." It's a strong reminder that the much-ballyhooed growth achievements of the government are just a means to an end. In its lavish photographs, ordinary Filipinos are shown in their struggles to eke out a living. It may raise the eyebrows of those who may think it romanticizes the poor’s plight.

 

In an age when the public is bombarded with so-called “poverty porn” – written, photographed or filmed media exploiting poverty in order to generate sympathy – “Boses ng Pagbabago” differs as it does not paint the poor as helpless. 

 

The stories show that beneficiaries are capable of lifting themselves out of poverty when government interventions are adequate.

 

It offers insights on how pulbic policy at the grassroots can impact the lives of those who were intended to benefit from it. 

 

Without providing much detail, the book suggests the importance of providing basic health care, educational opportunities, technical skills training and entrepreneurial advice, as well as developing agricultural and fisheries sectors at the grassroots level. Some may find it strange that the title is in Filipino but the contents are all in English. It would be helpful if a Filipino language version of the book is produced so all stakeholders can learn from its contents.

 

Some may see “Boses ng Pagbabago” as mere government propaganda.

 

But the individual stories are in the limelight here rather than the government programs themselves. It also recognizes important anti-poverty initiatives of administrations current and past, the Arroyo administration included. 

 

One critique could be “Boses ng Pagbabago” does not underscore the failed economic policies that led to inequitable growth and stunted poverty-alleviation initiatives in the post-Marcos era. Moreover, it did not engage debate on the efficacy of government programs.

 

The book highlights the need for consistent, comprehensive policy implementation that cuts across concerned agencies and stakeholders in fighting poverty. 

 

“Economists and policy makers have long known that the key to advancing poverty reduction programs is neither an undue concentration on growth nor ad hoc attempts at addressing the problem of poverty,” “Boses ng Pagbabago”’s introduction reads.  

 

“Breaking out of the cycle of poverty requires a far more rational, comprehensive and consultative approach that calls for all parties to actively work together,” it adds.

 

Finally, in this book, the government admits that poverty continues to haunt the country’s rapid economic growth, and acknowledges the struggle of concerned departments, non-government agencies and the poor themselves for a better life. Awareness that growth is far from enough provides a realistic hope that progress in reducing poverty can be achieved. 

 

“Boses ng Pagbabago (Voices of Change)” is published by the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cabinet Cluster and edited by Lila Ramos-Shahani, assistant secretary in the Aquino administration and head of communications of the inter-agency body. It will be launched on Tuesday, February 26, 2013.