What do you think about squatters? (people living in the streets)
@taki_takaishi (1279)
Philippines
March 23, 2009 8:57pm CST
I ride a bus going to school. And when I look at the window, I see children playing on the streets, children picking up bottles and papers, houses which are made out of boxes, people lying down on the streets, people eating trashes and many more. There are a lot of things to see in the streets, but what is reality in our country is many are living in the streets.
Sometimes I blame the government, well, not everything is to be blame in the government. Sometimes, I also blame the street people, but, it is also not their fault for they live there because they don't have money.
Well, here is what I hate about them, there was a day I was walking to a shop, a kid approached and begged for money, I gave him a pack of biscuit, because for me giving them money is not right, who knows what they might do with it. After I gave him the food, he threw it away and said he wants money. At first I was like 'chill dude'. Then he later brings out a barbecue stick and pointed it out to me (he is treating it as his knife). then I suddenly grab the stick from him and I said, 'You have guts to point something like this to me'. He was almost going to pick up a fight. I hated violence, so I just asked him one question, 'What will you do with the money, is it to buy those silly 1 peso drug?'. He didn't answer and just ran away.
For some kid who has guts asking for money couldn't even answer a simple question. I don't personally hate them, but sometimes, they act as if they are the big boss in our country. Although, what can we do? even we help them sometimes, they complain. And what I hate the most is that you are giving them something essential and what they do is complain.
Hehehe. What about you? What do you think about them? Who is to blame for their life, the way the government runs them or the squatters themselves who can't even do or find decent jobs so that they can support their family?
8 people like this
24 responses
@rymebristol (1808)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
they are humans like us too, the only difference is their position in the society.
they don't have their own home but it doesn't mean that even their rights are out of the league from the rest of society.
good thing that there are many Local Government Units and even the private sector that lends a helping hand to those who need shelter and livelihood. Habitat for Humanity is one of them.
@ayenacsi (910)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
Yes they are just as human as we all are....
and just as conniving, scheming. Some squatters are real professionals at it. I am not saying they all are. There are real people that really need help. But when the government or NGOs help them, they take what they can and just move on to another place to squat, and sell what has given to them. They have a lot of nerve demanding too much from the government, they chose to live there. And it's not even theirs in the first place. Most squatters have decent homes in the rural areas. But choose to live in squalor.
This is something that the government should work on as every person deserves to right to live in a good environment.
2 people like this
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
There were home projects for the squatters. And I don't know, some of them are professional squatters, once they are given something they go back to the streets and ask something from the government again. I really wonder why go through a lot of trouble when you are already given something that others can't even received. Kinda lame strategy to get money.
Damn. They are really pathetic and annoying.
@ronslove (481)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
There are many things one can associate with squatters.
They're the groups who lack almost everything namely education, shelter, food, money,others don't have families. No shelter, that's why they live on streets, look for food on streets. Squatters are lazy people who do not want to exert effort in gaining money. Since they are uneducated, they lack good manners and right conduct. They dont even respect or say thank you.
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
Very true. They lack education that they think they are better than us when in fact they are not. They say they are right, but the make things worse. They depend too much to those who even use them in political ways.
They could just work and who knows, rags to riches.
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
True. But, the thing is, if the streets is what they have then why bother us right? They cross the street and met the accident, we get to be blamed and they get all like the credits when it is their fault in the first place why they are there. The streets are not for them as well. They are given houses but they don't want to take it, but I really wonder why....
@rsa101 (37952)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
It is sad plight of this country that we see them living that way. Who is to be blamed is quite difficult to pinpoint now. Poverty is so much complex that you can pinpoint anyone as being responsible. The government because they are just being used when election time comes. The easiest vote to buy comes from them because they can easily be bribed because they would grabbed the first candidates that would pay them. After election they are forgotten and left there to be poor again so that next election they could be bought cheaper once again.
Partly we could also be blamed for that since we allow them to stay there and be used by these politicians. We somehow living in the comforts of our home never tried to at least give them assistance whatever or whenever we can to help them.
Also the also to be blamed is the squatters themselves. Because they seem to accept their situation to be like that. They are not also making an effort to better themselves.
I am sad that you had made an effort and that kid did not appreciate what you did. It is sad that as young as they are they are starting to become a nuisance in the society.
1 person likes this
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
Very true. Both sides are to be blamed but we ourselves should also be blamed because we have allowed them to stay there. However, even I can't do anything about it. I want them out too, but where do I keep them. There is no permanent place for them. Philippines is too crowded already that we don't know where to place them.
I really wish that this kind of issue would be resolved.
1 person likes this
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
24 Mar 09
Hello taki. From what is described in the discussion, I would not say that it is right for the squatter to treat you like that, in a violent way, to do something in return for your kindness. I think that it is better to keep yourself away from such a squatter, who is not nice and friendly.
Well, I don't think that it is the only case that you have in your country. I mean, squatters. So it is the same in our country. I think that both the squatters and the local government are to blame for this. And I also hope that a good solution to this phenomenon will be improved some day soon though it is really harsh.
Take care, friend.
1 person likes this
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
True, I really wish there is a solution to this problem. it is not nice that it would stay like this forever. And all blaming is heard everywhere you go. Kinda bit annoying.
1 person likes this
@lucky1girl (139)
• Taiwan
24 Mar 09
Sometimes,it's really worthless sympathy to those squatters!just like what you said,why don't they do some work they can to live a better life.i'm afraid even though the government give them opportunities,they are not willing to pick them up,because they are used to getting money without any effort!Just like the kid you mentioned,you gave him biscuit to make him full but he only asked for money,so he wasn't lack of food in fact.Why we feel pity about the men of this kind?
No matter beggars or squatters,if they aren't self-respect,if they don't want to make effort to work(some of them even never try to find a job),then we'd better not have mercy on them.
I remember the words below:God will help people who help themselves.
1 person likes this
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
Yes. you are quite right. You are giving something to them and you are helping them in some ways and all you get is demands and blames which we shouldn't be the one worth to blame because we are the ones doing something for them. We respect them but they don't so what is worth to respect others when they can't even appreciate what you are doing for them. They are plainly weird people.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
6 Apr 09
Well, things like this happen everywhere anymore. It is truly sad though that so many people have had to resort to this, and when you offer them Food they want $$ and tend to only accept that as well. But at the same time, some people might blow the $$ if you give them some or are scamming you, so it is something to decide for yourself what is Best as well. Hopefully someday things can change so we stop seeing so much of this again as well.
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
27 Mar 09
[i]Hi taki,
Wow...I have the same experienced. I remember one time my friend and I were sitting in the Boulevard and one kid approached us to sell peanuts and we bought one pack, when the other kid saw us, he came also to sell but we refused since we are still eating the pack that we bought from the other kid. He was very mad and was throwing us stones, I mean, some of them really have no values and respect to their elders....I was mad and told the kid if he will not stop, I will call the police and report him, they were running away from us but they were mimicking us...Sooo frustrating!
I will put the blame with the parents, irresponsible parents who raise several kids and they can't afford to educate....and since these kids grew up in this environment, some of them will be marrying early and it will repeat...I admire those kids who are from these group who have dreams and who strive hard to go to school as a working students![/i]
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
29 Mar 09
Very true. Some don't have manners. Money isn't easy to get. They should know also that we also having a hard time getting money. Well, parents of these children should really be blamed. I mean, if they would just work hard, they won't have those children in the streets.
Yes, there are some children who have dreams and strive to go to school. There are some of those kids, I met them during our outreach. That is why that orphanage gave them free education. All they have to do is attend and they will learn something. I believe some of them will be successful if they will just work hard.
@yushen1008 (357)
• Philippines
1 Apr 09
i've been in the same situation as you are with those street children. those children are so rude, and its their choice. they chose to be rude. just like you, i don't give money, instead, i give food, but still, they are not grateful about the food and even demand for money, just to satisfy themselves for the solvent. whenever i'm in that kind of situation, i always threaten them that i will call a DSWD. after that... they're running away from me, coz those children have been in DSWD before and just left because they prefer the life at street, rather than having at least a decent shelter from DSWD. so you see... it's their choice.
there are other street children though that don't beg for money. they are selling items or whatever they can sell at street (usually sampaguita). i have high respects for them coz they know how to live life fairly even at the early age. i have a classmate in elementary that used to be like this before, she sells rugs once our class is over. but now, she is a successful engineer who doesn't have to sell rugs anymore. :)
@yushen1008 (357)
• Philippines
2 Apr 09
i'm not sure but i think street children who went under DSWD care don't like the environment coz they don't want others to control their lives. they just feel that they're in a prison when they're under DSWD, so basically, they don't have the freedom to do what they want coz they have to obey DSWD rules and regulations. that's why they opt to beg in the streets.
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
2 Apr 09
I wonder what does DSWD do to these children. I mean, what do they do that children doesn't want to go back there? I keep wondering.
I really praise some children who sell simple things in the street. Much more decent and I think they know what money are its value. Hehehe.
@eichs1 (1934)
• Philippines
5 Apr 09
You mean street children. Squatters are those who established an abode in someone's or government's property.
Squatting is oftentimes blamed on poverty. But if we are to analyze it, does it make it right for a poor person to make use of someone's property without asking permission then fighting for so called rights when the rightful owner needs the land? Isn't that a matter of having self-respect and respecting others?
Partly, we can also blame the government for solving the plight of squatters in expense of those who haves. Take a look at the squatting law. Why does a rightful property owner have to pay for those who used his land without his consent when he wants them out? Well, that might be okay for the government and very rich land owners but even small property owners are not spared from this insanity.
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
6 Apr 09
I find it quite funny. When squatters usually used the land without permission. And the owner doesn't even know. When the owner comes back and sees everything, he or she wants them all out. And all of them would say, that it is their place not his or hers.
I mean, I kinda feel weird hearing that they own the place that they couldn't even provide proof. hehehe.
Funny how their world runs and blaming other people for their own faults.
@cupcyke (363)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
i have to blame them because mostly of them are the one who make them what they are now. they are the one who make a country miserable. they dont like to find a job they are just staying at home and having lots of babies. that's why its a problem of the Philippines which is the over population. lack of employment due to over population. laziness of a person can cause too much poverty.
1 person likes this
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
That is true. they are lazy that they don't even work. They all blame the government and not themselves. They are also at fault in this and that they don't do anything about it. I just wish they would just stop complaining and start working.
1 person likes this
@onlineraket (189)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
I guess I have to blame it to them. Although not all. There are a lot of factors who contribute to this setting. First, the people itself. If we can hear stories that somebody from the same experience were able to make a living and eventually succeed in life, then I dont see a point other can't. It is a matter of will and determination. If you really want to achieve something then put effort into it.
Another thing is the government fault. With all the rumors about corruption which is actually happening, funds should have been used for livelihood programs and make it available to everybody. Sometimes this is just a case of greed. Powerful persons thinking of themselves rather than thinking the welfare of the general public.
In the end, I blame it to those peopl. They have their options and that option was never taken out of them. What you do reflects what you want in life.
1 person likes this
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
It is true. They have a lot of options. They can do decent jobs and all. But the problem is they want easy money. There is no easy money in this world, even people has to work hard to get money.
I guess, they just wouldn't learn and appreciate and see things.
1 person likes this
@gyouswe911 (273)
• Philippines
26 Mar 09
As a follower of Uncertainty & Inequality, I'll blame the family, parents even.
If the parent taught their children what is right, then those poor children wouldn't be like that.
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
27 Mar 09
Well, yes, the parents are to blame in this situation. However, they themselves don't seem to care for their children. That is why, I think these children see what they see from their parents.
@gyouswe911 (273)
• Philippines
27 Mar 09
Yup!
Precisely, they themselves don't seem to care for their children. That does not change the fact that they really are the ones to blame for their children lives. ^_^
@CMTS_87 (1339)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
First of all we should not call them squatters - this is a politically incorrect term, for that we should use informal settlers instead.
I think we should not only blame the government for this, because the "informal settlers" for sure have their own share of mistakes/ faults that is why they are like that.
1 person likes this
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
Sorry for the term. I just don't know what other terms to call them. I mean, I was used to hear this words from other people that there were no other terms to call them.
True that 50-50 blaming system is happening in here. But, wouldn't it be nice if both sides work together and resolve this?
1 person likes this
@xtedaxcvg (3189)
• Philippines
25 Mar 09
Well, what would you expect from a child that didn't have a formal education, living in a harsh environment, and doesn't have parents or guardians to guide them? What the child did to you is what he sees from the people around him. We're just lucky because we get to eat at least twice a day. These kids, they don't have that opportunity. There's also a possibility that someone is manipulating them, forcing them to beg on the streets. If they won't reel in some money, they'll get beaten or they won't get to eat. This is the harsh reality that these kids are facing.
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
25 Mar 09
Quite true. It is really harsh to see children being manipulated just to have food. But, they don't have to go that far. I am sure he didn't mean it, but he could just answer me properly so that I could give him at least 1 peso.
Government should at least give these children proper education for free.
@seabeauty (1480)
• United States
24 Mar 09
On the one hand I feel sorry for them, on the other, repulsed by them.
Some are homeless through no fault of their own, for others it is a choice to be homeless and beg for money. At least in America.
What repulses me is they are dirty and they smell from not being able to bathe.
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
Well, it can't be helped that water is not even free anymore. Hygiene is what makes them attract people to pity them and all. What a lame strategy they do.
@dorisday1971 (5657)
• Philippines
26 Mar 09
Whereever you go in the Philippines there are many squatters. We can't blame them though for being homeless. But one thing which I don't like about the squatters is their having many children which sometimes reach up to ten. I don't understand this. There are many rich people who are just contented with a maximum of three children while these squatters or those who have less in life have more children which they can't afford to give the basic necessities, food, shelter and education. it's a pity.
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
26 Mar 09
True. I really wonder why do they have many children. I mean, they couldn't even feed them. I don't see the real logic of this many children in the squatters area.
@Bebs08 (10681)
• United States
24 Mar 09
Well, they are the ones to be blamed because they are just depending others to survive. Another thing is that,, we, the society are teaching them to be lazy if we keep on giving them something every time they beg. I am also thinking, why they have so many children that they even have a problem of how to feed themselves how much more for a bunch of kids that they are producing? The problem there... is that.. Filipinos are good in kids production but no idea of how to feed and educate them. The government must have a law to limit the kids of every family. If they can have one or 2? that would be better. 
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
25 Mar 09
True, they keep having children when they couldn't even feed them. What is worse is that the population is increasing that it is already annoying because the prices go even higher because the more people, the more money.
Well, if ever a law like that will implement, they will say that there is no freedom to that. I can't believe that they don't even do a single thing to make the law tighter. And besides, we are just showing generosity, although of course, it makes them more lazier.
@cathya (704)
• Philippines
27 Mar 09
actually every time I see people living in squatters area the were lots of question revolving on my mind, am thinking whose to blame why there are people like them, what does the government doing about them, etc. But I came to realize that there's no way to blame anyone but those "squatters" themselves because no what the government tried to give them better place to live in they keep on coming back to those kind of area. During election, people from squatters are being used by politicians, I pity them. But what else can we do, even if we, ordinary citizens would like to help them, if those squatters would always wanted to live there, there's no good of helping them.
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
29 Mar 09
Yes, there are a lot of government projects for them. Unfortunately they take it for granted because they know they will be given some again.
One reason why I don't want elections, they are using them for their scheme. if money is the answer to this political campaigning, I guess the candidates are rats like hell. I would appreciate if they would just give them food than money.
@jane9147 (252)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
what i hate about this is how the children suffer at such a young age. instead of enjoying their childhood, there they are on the streets doing this and that to have money. i blame the parents of this children for putting them in such state. they created these kids but they don't exert enough effort to give their children what they must have.
i also blame on the government and all their corruption and stuff.
that is just how i see it though. we know about the corruption in the government but we don't know what is the true stories of these "informal settlers". i feel angry with them for doing harsh or bad things to people at times, however most of the time it's being-sorry-they-have-to-live-that-kind-of-life feeling that i feel.
well, God Bless!
@taki_takaishi (1279)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
True. Adults should show example. But, the problem is, they don't and let their children go hang out in the streets begging. I wonder why don't adults work for their children. Why is their life upside down or it is the other way around.
I feel sorry at the same time angry at them.
