EDITORIAL - Mountain of garbage

An estimated 120 tons of garbage were collected in Metro Manila cemeteries on Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. More garbage was expected on Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day, and until yesterday when those avoiding the regular holiday crowd visited the tombs of their dearly departed.

This highlights a basic problem that has long bedeviled every cleaning-up program in the country’s premier region: cleanliness is not starting with the individual, as it should. Whether cleanliness is missing from too many Filipinos is debatable. What is clear is that each time heavy flooding cripples Metro Manila, drainage systems are found clogged with garbage.

These days the flooding seems to be getting worse, with waters rising rapidly even in a brief heavy downpour. This can be due to global warming, or because the ranks of those who throw garbage anywhere they please keep growing with the population. It’s likely a combination of both factors. The consequences are felt in the traffic gridlocks that have been paralyzing Metro Manila with increasing frequency.

It’s not enough to keep one’s backyard clean; one must also avoid fouling up neighboring areas and public places. We are taught from childhood that cleanliness is next to godliness, but too many people seem to disregard the admonition.

The government can encourage cleanliness, but it seems there is no political will for this. Garbage bins in public areas are rare, and non-existent in many communities. Garbage collection even in middle-class enclaves is inefficient. With garbage piling up in their neighborhoods, and not enough trash receptacles to be found in public areas, people take the most convenient option, which is to discard garbage as they please.

The result is the mountain of trash in the cemeteries, and in many communities. With filthy habits left unrestrained, we get clogged drainage and worse floods. What goes around, comes around.