This
popular phrase above could yet save the world from poverty. The
term "Noblesse Oblige" literally means "nobility obliges". In
modern-day parlance Oxford dictionary takes it to mean that "privilege entails
responsibility" or as Francaise Dictionnaire says "whoever claims to
be noble must conduct himself nobly." It
has extended its meaning to say "To whom much is given, much is required."
It conjures of an image of a "moral economy" where the rich share their
fortune with the less fortunate. Economists
have concluded that there is enough wealth and resources in the world. The wealth
disparity between the haves and the have-nots is the real problem - and the solution,
therefore, is the redistribution of wealth and opportunity. Fortunately,
we have seen a new day dawning in the world of philanthropy.
Some of the world's
richest men are giving up their wealth. In
the Visayas, a four-year project is underway for the total elimination of rabies
through dog vaccination and awareness. It is now full steam in Negros Occidental
where 70% of the dogs will be vaccinated through the University of Glasgow team
who are in turn is funded by one of the world's largest charitable foundation
- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The
foundation has an asset endowment of US$33 billion (about P1.6 trillion) of which
US$23 billion had already been committed for release. In 2009, US$3 billion was
given to charity for education, farm productivity of the poor and improving health
of the less fortunate globally in the year 2009 alone. One
of the trustees is Warren Buffett, a rags to billions genius who have up his entire
wealth of US$30 billion for the foundation. Bill Gates, the chairman, today uses
more time giving up his money for others than earning them. The
foundation's philosophy is "Every person deserves a chance to live a healthy
and productive life." In
the Philippines, John Gokongwei Jr, another rags to riches billionaire -- in 2008
gave up half of his fortune (about P11 billion) to a foundation largely for the
education of the poor but deserving students. Gokongwei's empire under the Summit
Group includes, Sun cellphone, Cebu Pacific, Robinsons Land and Department Stores,
savings bank, and the Universal Robina group of snack food sand a chemical company,
among many others. Another
is Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala who as chairman of the Ayala foundation has spent
millions for education for the poor, the environment and technology. Currently
it is putting up computer laboratories to be used in the nation's 6,300 high schools. Boy
Blue del Rosario, chairman of the Makati Business Club and head of the expansive
Phinma Group has always been a huge patron of education (La Salle) and is now
organizing a US$25-million fund to finance micro-entrepreneurs across the rural
Philippines. Oscar
Lopez of the ABS-CBN and Meralco Group, among others, donated 37 hectares of land
to accommodate the displaced people of Guimaras island due to the giant oil spill.
The Lopez Foundation is strong in environmental protection (Gina Lopez) counting
the Pasig River rehabilitation, La Mesa watershed project and the preservation
of the huge rainforest in Sierra Madre as among its many successful story lines. The
latest to join the world-wide movement is San Miguel Corporation, headed by the
corporate genius Ramon Ang in behalf of tycoon Danding Cojuancgo. (the owner).
Rumors filter that the aging Cojuancgo was healed of cancer and has thereby donated
100 hectares of land in the Tagaytay-Batangas area for the "Healing City"
or the "New Jerusalem" in tandem with healing priest Fr Fernando Suarez. Dubbed
as SMC's "Spiritual Tourism", the Monte Maria center will host the over
100 meters statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary (to be set up by various artists)
and will rival the size of the giant statue of Jesus Christ in Brazil. Three
months ago, the Monte Maria launching was done. This
world-wide phenomenon of the rich - returning a huge part of their wealth to the
poor is a 21st century phenomenon that bears watching and tells the new story
of redemption of mankind.
The privilege class now realizes that "we make a living with what we get,
but we make a life by what we give." Nothing new age - but strictly biblical. Thus
Noblesse Oblige is a now thing and is as current as jejomon.. Shalom!
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