Scouts in Mandaue score against litterbugs

CEBU, Philippines - After a successful garbage segregation project in school, boy and girl scouts from the Mandaue City Science High School went out the other day and apprehended 150 persons caught littering.

The 24 scouts, assisted by eco-wardens from barangay Ibabao-Estancia and from the city’s solid waste management program and a few policemen went to a cockpit-coliseum, below the Maguikay flyover, and within the Pacific Mall.

“I am privileged to be part in helping shape the old habits of residents,” said Kristian Nonot, a 4th year student and president of the school’s science club.

Nonot who was assigned to cockpit area said he accosted four violators wherein two males were cited for throwing cigarette butts, one for spitting, and the other one for leaving a plastic material behind.

Nonot said they are confident and have the moral ascendancy to implement the city’s solid waste management program since their club has implemented a garbage segregation and recycling program. 

Besides, at home they do the same, he said.

They have also used the proceeds from the sale of their recycled paper and plastic to improve the look of their classrooms.

Supervising the half-day operation were barangay Ibabao-Estancia captain Carmelino del Mar Jr. and city’s solid waste management program coordinator for barangays, Engr. Gaga Mendoza.

Mendoza said those apprehended were warned instead of being fined.

He said of the 150 persons apprehended, 74 were in the cockpit area, 59 in the mall area, and 17 in the flyover area.

Mendoza said the pilot project seems effective in terms of public awareness and will be duplicated in other barangays.

Del Mar for his part said they are planning to continue the joint operation with the scouts on a weekly basis and will involve scouts in the public elementary school.  - THE FREEMAN