This is in reaction to the news article titled “2,000 eco warriors to make sure Pope’s visit ‘clean and compassionate’” (Second Front Page, 1/1/15).
I felt both happy and frustrated with this news article. Happy because 2,000 eco warriors volunteered to “show mercy and compassion” by collecting, removing and sweeping the waste that may be left behind by the crowds of people expected to gather and join Pope Francis in scheduled activities. I admire these eco warriors for their resolve to protect and preserve our environment.
On the other hand, I am deeply frustrated—why do we need the eco warriors? With some self-discipline, there would be no need for them: The Pope’s well-wishers themselves ought to show “mercy and compassion” not only to the 2,000 eco warriors but, most of all, to the environment—by not throwing their thrash just anywhere except in wastebins or the like, and this can be the best gift they can give Pope Francis. Then all the places where the crowds will gather to see the Pope in person will be left clean the moment these are emptied of people after every affair. No need for these eco warriors to clean
those places.
—JOSE M BRIONES,
retired provincial tourism officer,
Province of Albay,
Sipi, Daraga, Albay
jomebriones@yahoo.com