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