Dugyot Ba ang Pinoy?

DUGYOTERS. I have previewed and shotlisted one Imbestigador episode that tries to answer this question. Are we really that messy, filthy, foul, polluted and grubby? The episode is quite sure and positive. It answered a big YES. Footages of people throwing away their garbage on road center islands, men peeing on concrete fences, corners. Some even caught defecating on empty lots and dirt sidewalks. I also vividly remember an I-Witness episode exposing the lack of toilets and bathroom facilities in some Filipino homes.

HEARTBREAKERS. It always breaks my heart when I see people in public transport, both young and old, throw their trash on the road. Kids from school throw away food packaging, plastic cups, food sticks out of the jeepney window.

I just thought, how can they do that?! Did they ever thought of the people living in the area where they are throwing their trash? Come to think of it, those garbage would be piling up and clogging the waterways in the area.

Did their mothers and fathers taught them to throw away garbage anywhere? Is it the Filipino mentality that if a lot of people do it, it is considered legal? "Marami namang gumagawa kaya ako din ginagawa ko na rin..." Mag-isip naman sana tayo.

I had enough of the flooding here in Valenzuela and generally in our area here in Camanava. I know you don't want garbage to be thrown in your backyard or smoke to be fumed on your face.

Please help us in cleaning up our world. Please be a responsible citizen. Prove that we Filipinos are not dugyot.

Here are just a few of the countless reminders: (what MMDA might call urbanidad :D):

* When riding in public transport, walking on streets or just waiting for a ride, please do not throw away your litter in trash bins and proper garbage containers. If you can't find one, place it in your bag, in your pocket or just hold on to it. Don't let it get away until you find its proper container.

* Plan your trips, where you will eat and where you can relieve your bladder so you don't have to pee anywhere.

* Segregate and try to save up. Recycle paper and carton boxes. Sell it to Manong Junk Shop. The money may be quite small but it helps to save up in these trying times.

* Teach kids on proper waste disposal. It helps to start young for you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.

It all boils down to discipline, responsibility and accountabilty. Remember that no man is an island and we're living in an open system. Anything that we do affects everyone around us and, ultimately the entire planet.