Go beyond one-day cleanup of Bay

I’m writing regarding Manila Bay, which, according to an Inquirer article, has become “photogenic” because the sand that was once covered in trash could already be seen after a clean-up drive (“Look: Manila Bay becomes ‘photogenic’ once again after clean-up drive,” Inquirer.net, 1/29/19).

At first, it was wonderful, but the issue remains and we have only scratched the surface. Just to cite what happened in August 2018 when a storm swept waves of trash over the wall separating Manila Bay and Roxas Boulevard: While the community cleaned up that side of Manila Bay, the enemy persisted underwater, literally.

I am aware that this cannot be a one-day job. While some work had been done, there is still so much left to do. Broadcasting to the public the positive result of a one-day clean-up will have no lasting impact unless other initiatives are implemented,  such as aiming for a zero-waste lifestyle. People should be more conscious about the amount of garbage they produce each day.

ASHLEY MILLA, University of Asia and the Pacific