Small stuff?

Small stuff as defined by Meriam Webster is “small rope (such as spun yarn or marline) usually identified by the number of threads or yarns which it contains”.  Based on this definition, although it looks trivial due to the fine texture of the fiber it does not really mean they are not necessary.  A snag in the small stuff may cause the breakage of the whole twine.

In the context of how “small stuff” is used today, where minute irrelevant details lead to unnecessary irritation, the advice of experts is to “let it go”.

Sweating the small stuff is abhorrent.  In this time where there are so many things to deal with, it is best to shed off concerns on the small stuff.  But at the risk of nit-picking, I have listed some to the “small stuff” that have concerned me.  And perhaps, you can evaluate yourselves whether they are insignificant.

First, are the continuously dangling electrical wires especially in the side roads, and barangay roads that are not as visible as those in the highways.

In 2012-2016, a Meralco report notes that 20% of accidents are due to contacts with power lines. Although we know that high tension wires, or wires with high voltage are placed at the highest level some lose wires that tangle up could cause electrical concerns.

In Cebu, our local Visayan Electric Company has been called numerous times to check on dangling wires. Sadly though, after their review, the wires are not from the electric company but by other utilities. I appreciate the immediate response VECO gives to every call. And for the convenience of those who have concerns, I will place the number of VECO here for quick reference -- VECOEmergency Service at 230-(VECO) 8326. They encourage us to report all dangling wires we suspect to be connected to the main line. Even if the line may not be live, they are open to verifying the wires. Thank you VECO for your concern about our safety!

It would be a great help as well if other utilities and cable networks will make it their social responsibility to check on the state of their wires so they do not web up and dangle.  Dangling wires do not only cause electrocution but also accidents as they interfere with the vision of the driver especially for motor cyclists who may be surprised by a dangling wire in the minor roads.

Anent to this, another of the minor concerns that cause major discomforts are the parked vehicles that line the small roads. In the early days of the Duterte administration, cars and motorcycles were not allowed to park along the roads to avoid accidents. Some roads are designed small since they are small passages to access housing units in the inner parts of a place. It may seem fine for the less densely populated provinces but in close to urban set-ups, even a slightly mis-parked motorcycle can cause a four-wheel vehicle to swerve a bit and in the slight size of the road, another incoming vehicle may have to move as well to avoid the slight inches that will lead it to the body of the next car. What has happened to this law?

There are other things I noted. Bending posts. Only holding on to its position by the wires that lock it in place. They are accidents waiting to happen. And there are many of these interspersed in the island. Plus, the upsurge of sideroad stores that cause people to stop in an already congested road, adding more traffic. Do they have business permits? Were their installations not checked to ensure that they would not block the flow of traffic. What happened to easement laws?

Small stuff eh?