Plastic!
THE monstrous downpour brought by southwest monsoon rains made even stronger by Tropical Storm Maring paralyzed Metro Manila and many parts of Luzon, with classes, work, flights, UAAP games and even doctors’ appointments canceled. Ondoy victims most especially are fearful of a repeat of their scary experience almost three years ago—something that residents of Cavite and Laguna must be feeling. For sure, anybody who’s still unconvinced that climate change is upon us should have his thickhead buried deep in the muddy waters. Whatever happened to the flood mitigation programs that are supposed to help LGUs “manage” the flooding? People also pay flood taxes every time they buy a movie ticket—so whatever’s happening to these funds? Are they also going the way of the pork—with some bogus NGO pocketing the cash? Happy Hour friends located in flood prone areas like España in Manila, Marikina, Kalentong, Pasay, areas near the Epileptic sorry—Elliptical Circle in Quezon City as well as parts of Makati and Antipolo told us they spent a harrowing two days monitoring the streets hoping the waters will not reach their homes. Somewere lucky; others had to evacuate. People were also worried about the water from the dams getting released, and it was a big booboo when the La Mesa dam manager admitted he was home—while authoritatively reporting about the status of the dam. And on national TV at that! But like the proverbial silver lining behind the clouds, it is during these times that the best in the Filipino comes out, donating in cash or in kind, volunteering their time to help in disaster relief efforts, turning their homes into evacuation centers, texting and tweeting or FB posting to encourage others, and offering up a prayer for those who are facing very dire circumstances. Kudos also to the big networks and business entities, particularly the members of the Philippine Business for Social Progress who made use of resources in mobilizing disaster response teams to distribute water, food and hygiene kits to evacuees. There was one supreme irony, however, that did not escape the notice of friends—the use of plastic bags to distribute relief goods and packages. Which only goes to show—it’s not the. plastic! It’s the people who carelessly throw garbage, Styrofoam and plastic everywhere who should be made accountable and responsible! –Boy P
Published in Manila Stanard Today, page B3, 22 August 2013