(CBCP News File)
MANILA, Feb. 18, 2015–Two years after the devastating typhoon, a Catholic bishop said dependency on aid among Yolanda survivors is increasing in Eastern Visayas.
Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez expressed concern more people can afford to buy beer even if its sales went two times higher than before the disaster.
“Meaning to say that in the process of recovery many survivors spend much of their money for beer rather than basic needs of their family,” he said.
What alarms the bishop more is that many people, particularly those in the villages, “have no more appetite” to plant in their farms.
“They are just waiting for the assistance given by the government, international and local non-government organizations, and other groups,” Varquez said.
The situation, he said, must serve as a challenge now to local church leaders to help address the problem by inculcating the right values to the people.
He also made a similar call to government leaders and groups involved in the rehabilitation efforts, saying that that typhoon survivors should learn how to properly utilize the different forms of assistance given to them.
“As they continue to benefit from the aid of different agencies, they should work with prudence and wisdom for their ongoing recovery,” Varquez added.
“Let’s teach them to stand on their own feet and not be dependent on others. Let us empower them to become more productive. Value formation is the key,” he said. (Roy Lagarde/CBCPNews)