Littering

It’s sad. But it shows we are a nation of litterers. litters are in the streets, parks, markets, schools, neighborhoods, terminals, ports, jeepneys, buses, taxis and even inside subdivisions and shopping malls.

 After social gatherings like celebration of the Independence Day, feast of the Black Nazarene, EI Shaddai, rallies, meetings and other festivities, expect truck loads of litters scattered around. Yes, litters  everywhere, it seems normal. But in the Manila Bay not only litters but also garbage. Manila Bay is known the world over for its sunset. We should maintain its cleanliness for it’s a show window of our country. It’s shameful to foreign guests.

It’s shameful but it seems littering is a habit. It’s part of life of many Filipinos. There are also foreigners doing the same. They think it’s the practice here, but not in their country. There are antilittering laws, but why littering is unstoppable? We see people walking just throw their litters around, others while at their cars, or in public vehicles or wherever they are.

There are street cleaners sweeping the streets of litters. But minutes later we see litters again and more litters as hours pass by. Why despite anti-littering laws and ordinances, litters still exist? How can we stop littering? Are the anti-littering laws and ordinances ineffective?

What should be done to stop the littering habit of many?

To stop the littering habit strict implementation of anti-littering laws and ordinances should be enforced. Anti-littering laws and ordinances should be amended to make them more effective.

We suggest that all business establishments be required to provide trash cans in the streets, also in all vehicles, in street corners of subdivisions, and in all other areas where there are people.

In short, install trash cans in all necessary areas. Trash cans ready to all litters.

With trash cans everywhere, start strict implementation of anti-littering laws and anti-littering agents should be everywhere. Those caught littering should be penalized and should render community service. Those apprehended for littering should stay in a place where people can see them. Require them to sweep the streets, parks and other areas. Barangays, towns, cities and provinces should endorse cleanliness contest. There should be the cleanest barangay, town, city and province. And to push all concerned, the contest will also proclaim the dirtiest barangay, town, city and province. By proclaiming the dirtiest barangay, town, city, and province, all concerned will try their best not to be included in the dirtiest category.

Or whatever measures legislative bodies may deem appropriate to make anti-littering laws be more effective. — LEONARDO C. CANTA, B10 L83 Dahlia Street, Camella Sorrento, Bacoor City, Cavite