The 2013 Philippine Elections is just around the corner. I’m writing this post not to comment on candidates I like or more importantly, the candidates that I don’t like. I am writing this post because I want to share what I think the country really needs. I am a graduate of Industrial Engineering and not in any way knowledgable on the law or the things that I’ll be talking about but this is what I feel should be prioritized. Sustainability.
It’s true that the Philippines is a country rich of natural resources but how long will they last? Our resources are depleting as fast as a candle being burnt in both ends. Let’s take tourism as an example. Tourism is one of our top sources of income. It’s true that we get many job opportunities because of tourism not to mention the pride brought by our natural wonders boasted in the Internet. Maybe, tourism also contribute to the economic growth I heard we have been experiencing. Then again, what are we doing to protect our so called “wonders”? In Boracay alone, it’s devastating to see so much food wasted and so much garbage being generated every night. Ironically, an island as beautiful and as small as Boracay, I think (I just assume based on what I’ve seen) produces so much garbage brought by tourism.
Another example is Mercato. I believe the goal of Mercato is to provide a venue for start-up businesses. While Mercato produces promising businesses, tons of garbage are also being disposed daily. The garbage is composed of Styrofoam, plastic cups, paper and plastic plates. I’m sure many entrepreneurs profit through Mercato but to what expense?
Unfortunately, the Philippines has no concrete or effective law in waste management. Yes, there are efforts to “ban” plastic bags in some cities in Metro Manila but that’s just sugar-coating the real problem. Before we focus on the types of waste we produce, we need to look more into how we dispose our wastes. The tragedy brought by Ondoy might have not happen if we just disposed our garbaged properly regardless if they are paper or plastic. Transitioning to a life carrying low quality paper bags will not solve anything until we learn to be truly responsible and accountable in protecting our environment in all aspects of our lifestyle.
Another example is the booming real estate industry. Needless to say, everywhere you look, there is a new village, condominium or a mall being built. When do we stop? What will make us stop? We just need to pause for a while and think how much we have destructed. How much has changed. How much is irreversibly damaged.
To politicians and people concerned, before you invest in booming our tourism, franchise the new JCO or Uniqlo, build a new casino or fight for the next senatorial position, we should learn to care on what will be after our lifetime.
Can everything be sustained? Will there be anything to sustain?
