We are the ‘new poor’

“Hi sir Cito. May I call you?” I knew the sender and he is one of those people who seldom calls unless it’s important or necessary.

- CITO BELTRAN

Considering my circle of friends, I generally assume the person is going to ask for advise on a personal or spiritual matter.

Yes, that is one of the signs that you’re officially “mature,” getting on in years” or have become wise as you aged, with emphasis on “aged.” I remind myself that it is a privilege to gain such trust or confidence that people are willing to share their pain or fear.

My friend called because his son requires surgery within the week and after a “Go-No/Go-Go” process, the doctor wants to cut and remove gall stones from his son.

Like many middle-class Filipinos, they can no longer afford the commercial rates charged by physicians and hospitals. The professional fee of the surgeon was P160,000 and they are still preparing for the aftershock charges of the hospital.

The parents have pooled their resources in terms of HMO, savings, even soliciting help from the LGU and I think DSWD. But all that would not be enough when the total is summed up.

So, my friend is staring at the dire possibility of burning their credit cards and kiss Christmas celebrations goodbye! He reached out in desperation to ask for any amount of help that our discipleship group might be willing to give just to lessen his load.

This situation is all too common and true for many Filipinos, even for those working in the corporate world. We want the best for our loved ones and ourselves, so we instinctively rush to the well-known and well-marketed private hospitals.