Sowing the seeds of the trash we throw

President Marcos recently did an ocular inspection in the affected areas of Metro Manila after the onslaught of Supertyphoon “Carina.” He pointed out that the main cause of the flooding is the improper garbage disposal on top of climate change. The President stressed that we have more flood control now than before (increased number of pumping stations), “Pero talaga you have to put it (trash) somewhere,” he said (“Marcos: People should learn as climate change, trash caused flooding,” Inquirer.net, 7/26/24). He reminded Filipinos to properly dispose of their garbage to keep the drainage system free from clogging and hence prevent flooding.

I remember, as a Grade 1 student, our school principal would stand in front of the flagpole to make her announcements and reminders to everyone. This had been her habit after every flag ceremony. I could no longer remember the rest of what she said, except for this: “Basura mo, pananagutan mo” (Your trash, your responsibility). As the principal leaves the stage, we would then pick up the “flowering plastic” on the grounds, throw them in the trash can, then go inside the classroom. The principle from the principal is simple, but practical. If every Filipino knew their responsibility including distinguishing biodegradable from non-biodegradable waste (“nabubulok” vs “hindi nabubulok”) then they would be prepared to meet the responsibilities as a youth, later as a parent, and a leader in the community. Every Filipino should be responsible for their choices, in what course to take, who to marry, and what role to play in building the nation.

While inside the jeepney with my mother, as a little child, I once threw a cellophane out the window after I’d consumed my bread. But my mother told me that it was not good and threatened me that the policeman might catch and reprimand me. How thankful we are to our parents and teachers!

A pumping station is what the government can provide, but a clogged drainage is what the people can prevent. People can do more, for prevention is better than cure.

We get to choose what to plant: real flowers, fruits, nuts, and vegetables that will benefit our health, or “plant” plastic (or throw garbage) anywhere in the city/street and clog the drainage system. Your choice.

Ham Geg G. Manggasang,

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