This is a rejoinder to “Practice 5 Rs to help the environment” (Letters, 12/17/19) by Pamela I. Claveria, MD.
During an evening walkathon from my house in San Francisco del Monte Quezon City to the Roxas Boulevard Service Road in late December two years ago, I passed by the Luneta Park in Manila.
Upon reaching the wide open space directly in front of Jose Rizal’s monument, my heart sank. There was trash everywhere — empty water bottles and tetra packs, plastic cups, candy wrappers, paper and plastic bags, plastic forks and spoons, barbecue sticks, used tissue paper, food containers and boxes, etc.
Obviously, these were thrown or left behind by the park’s visitors that day. The mere sight was disheartening, diminishing whatever holiday cheer I was feeling at that time.
I suggest to local government units and park managers that they set up public address systems in public parks and places (like Luneta, the Quezon Memorial Circle, etc.) to blare out a brief but clear recorded announcement every 15 or 20 minutes urging everyone to pick up after themselves.
Perhaps this is what a lot of holiday park-goers need to be reminded of — that they also have a responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of the premises, whether they are there to have a picnic or just to stroll around.
Claude Lucas de Castro Despabiladeras
claudelucasdespa@gmail.com