Cariaga: Ditch ayuda, create jobs to fight poverty

In his recent guest appearance on The Freeman's “Know Your Candidate,” Cariaga strongly criticized the practice of giving ayuda—a form of aid commonly associated with elected officials, particularly members of Congress.

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“Ayuda should be stopped. It [is] not the solution to our problem. Ang kinahanglan sa mga tao, dili ayuda, kundi trabaho,” he said.

Cariaga outlined four key points about what ayuda signifies in a politician's career: First, it is a cheap tactic to get elected. Second, it is the fallback of incompetent politicians seeking to win hearts and votes.

Third, it is only a temporary solution to a long-term problem. And lastly, it reveals that politicians are not truly interested in long-term solutions.

A farm owner in Bogo, Cariaga said he has already proven that people can thrive without ayuda. He built a small community where women—especially those from poor households with no stable income—produce bracelets made from recycled paper.

He said the initiative has thrived and helped empower locals to become self-sustaining.

“As a politician, my main job is to help match these things. My focus is to invite more investors to the Philippines and establish companies that will provide jobs for the people,” Cariaga said.