I am NOt suggesting it is only in the Philippines. It is however the only place I have any direct experience with so the only place I can comment upon. Nor do I suggest that everyone is the same, in fact I know many who are far from feckless and lazy. I admire those who struggle against their adversity and ask for nothing. Nor do I feel it is their fault. It is a cultural thing and an unhealthy one at that. I have tried to change the attitude within my wife's family because I truly believe that giving them the chance to be self sufficient is a better option. I have failed totally. Of course we want to help, we both understand their situation very well, but we would like them to want to help themselves too, but so often all they want is to deal with today's problem and leave tomorrow to fate. Or, more usually, to us. If someone gave me £10,000 a month in perpetuity I hope I would not change anything I do. I hope I would try to use the money wisely to ensure a better future for those I love.
