A "Hero" gives up for the wrong reasons

Amid the noise of other news, newly-appointed Metropolitan manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando's recent statements were largely ignored.

According to Fernando, recycling our trash is just a waste of effort. He said that materials recovery facilities (MRF) -- where recyclable and compostable materials from garbage are collected --are not earning well. He said that recyclable materials are hard to sell, and the compost made at MRFs are rotting because nobody buys them. Lately, nobody is interested to pick up the compost even if it is given for free.

Fernando's statements only show how clueless he is when it comes to recycling. We shouldn't wonder. Wrong practices about garbage cannot be changed instantly. We could not expect people to immediately clean up their act, just because there is a law on waste management.

Education is needed to change wrong beliefs and practices. But what does the "Hero" ("Bayani" is a Tagalog word for "hero") say? He said that it is very expensive to educate the 10.4 million Metro Manila residents about waste management -- in the process of segregation and recycling.

If Fernando could have his way, he said he would rather focus on the construction of sanitary landfills.

It is surprising why Fernando is now taking education for granted. Back when he is the "father" of Marikina, the city became famous for its cleanliness and superb waste management. It seems that the people of Marikina are well-informed because they have become participants in maintaining the city's cleanliness. Fernando's record as mayor of Marikina City may have been the crucial factor for getting appointed as "father" of Metro Manila.

Turning your back on the task of educating the people to solve their problems, such as garbage, is the height of irresponsibility. Especially when you only look at the initial cost and not at long-term benefits.

Fernando may be right in saying that educating the people on proper waste management is expensive. It may be so: if you take into account the various leaflets, posters, etc., or the TV or radio commercials, or the shows that feature professional actors, education is truly costly. But there are teaching methods, more appropriate and less expensive, that are yet to be explored.

We must look at the big picture. Huge investments are necessary in education to change wrong practices. But in the long run, we could recover these expenses. Shouldn't we think that having an environment free from toxic waste dumps in the near future is enough to justify our efforts?

If only our government leaders would realize this, beginning with the one who answers to the name "Bayani".

From BWF.org

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