By Johnny Dayang
Headline-hogging issues like Boracay closure, Manila Bay garbage, or Davao’s motor-riding criminals are reflections on how public awareness on developments that affect people are tolerated. Often, the blame is heaped on the oversights and neglect by authorities.
An important aspect of keeping order in society should start with community vigilance and the need to be well-informed. Ironically, as population literacy appreciates, the level of public intervention on concerns that affect the people diminishes.The disparity creates ambivalent impressions and generate ramifications that result in more conflicts.
Given the competition that comes with landing a job and earning better pay, the essential to progress economically,indisputably relegates to the sides the need to keep communities free from debilitating problems. This is the reason why Boracay prospered despite the violations, abuses and neglect committed for decades by those who run the island.
Vigilance is important in creating a sound environment, a well-informed community, and a highly watchful population. While this perception is positive, its pursuit, in more ways than one, hinges on the ethical and moral conscience of those who hold the rein of power.
For instance, the enormous garbage that keeps dirtying Manila Bay has been there for decades. Though the problem reflects more on the inability of the local government to use its resources to address the conundrum, a greater part of the issue falls on the population whose perspective about cleanliness is distorted.
Just recently, a move to ban the use plastic was initiated in the Senate. Indeed, will such move be an ideal solution to a problem that involves capitalists? In any case, will such approach effectively address the fact that garbage is a reflection of man’s utter lack of concern for the environment?
In Manila and in other highly-urbanized cities, the issue of community vigilance is a matter that is always deeply buried in mud. Politicians see people as votes, a reason why informal settlers sprout in esteros and, by their habits, contribute to the worsening garbage problem.
We are often reminded that we are governed by laws. Fine, but where does governance start or end? If our laws on neglect apply only to have-nots, what positive note can we share to encourage the population to protect their community from abuse? Laws often favor the affluent, thus, promoting vigilance has virtually become hopeless.
