Do Filipinos Rely Too Much on Government?

Blogger and online marketer Carlo Ople has one good response to Noynoy’s recent SONA, huwag masyadong asahan si Noynoy.
He wrote on his blog,

If there’s one thing I appreciate in Noynoy’s entire SONA though it’s when he mentioned that the government’s primary responsibility is to make sure that everything is fair for everyone, especially in business. Ang problema kasi ng maraming Pilipino ay inaasa lahat sa gobyerno. Pati’ ba naman distribution ng condoms, problema ba ng Philippine government? Pati ba naman “spiritual corruption” gusto ng Catholic Church ayusin ni Noynoy? If your problem is specific to your vocation or industry, wag mo asahan si Noynoy diyan. He has enough problems to deal with already. Instead of whining, complaining, and doing nothing you should just offer solutions. Better yet, be part of the solution. You don’t have to be in government to make a difference or help others out.

Have we redefined the role of government to remove all problems of life in the Philippines? Have we depended too much on government for our well-being?

We all know that public policy is important to regulate and maintain order in a country but a government that promises cure for every problem or hardship may be more destructive than healthy for a growing society. It takes away the sense of accountability and self-reliance among its people- characters that are important to have during hard times. St. Paul described it best in building responsible and resourceful character for Filipinos, if a man will not work, he shall not eat. (2 Thess 3:10)

It may be controversial or hard to do but we need to stop expecting and waiting for the government to give everything we need, specially when we lead lives that are selfish and undisciplined. With regards to charity and welfare, lets just reserve it to those who really need it.