Letter to the Mayor of Tuburan, CebuPosted by Narcisa S. Embrado on May 07, 1998 at 18:51:53:
The Honorable Mayor Dear Mayor, Have you ever experienced a boat trip that turns out to be a horrible journey? Last April 1, I along with my students in Abellana National School, Cebu City happened to be the passengers of the barge MG Melrivic of the EB Aznar Shipping Corporation that carried the Ceres Bus that brought us from Cebu City to Bacolod City to attend the PSYSC 1998 National Youth Science, Technology and Environment Summer Camp that was held in Bago City. While roaming around the barge and observing the sea water, we were fascinated by a school of fish below eating the leftovers thrown over board by the passengers. But to our dismay, not only the leftovers were thrown out, but also garbage such as empty softdrink cans, plastic cups and wrappers, barbecue sticks, hanging rice wrappers, etc. Caught in the act, I told the passenger that it is improper to throw waste materials on the water. The passenger just stared at me and continued throwing. The throwing of garbage over board continued one after the other and sometimes simultaneously, since it was mealtime. As the boat continued to move, more garbage floated over the sea and I have not seen a single trash can on board the vessel. It could have been a good gesture on the part of the owner of the barge to show concern and love for the sea which is part of his business or where he makes a business profit. Why not provide a trash can on board the vessel? A written notice should inform the passengers not to pollute the sea or they will be penalized. The crew should be given responsibility in collecting garbage fee, a additional task to prevent water pollution and protect marine life. This is the state of indifference of our travelers at sea that may prove too costly to our marine life in this millennium. Respectfully yours, Narcisa S. Embrado P.S. This is only a simple suggestion. Is it possible for you to prod your municipal council to pass a local ordinance banning and penalizing the indiscriminate dumping of garbage and organic wastes into the coastal sea waters of your town to solve our worsening environmental problems? In your ordinance, you could form or mobilize a Bantay Dagat Task Forcce to carry out this campaign. cc. DENR, I LOVE THE OCEAN MOVEMENT, EB AZNAR SHIPPING CORPORATION.
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