Waste chronicles
The quest to find the rest of the medical waste in Lapu-Lapu City continues. As of this writing, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office has said that there are still many bags of drift waste that are comprised of infectious waste particularly from the hospital. Yesterday, I saw the Lapu-Lapu CENRO haul not less than ten yellow plastic bags from the sea. Most of the waste found had tags on them, pointing to specific hospitals in Mandaue City. The residents in the area couldn’t help but feel disgusted by what they saw.
I have visited one of the hospitals and they have ruled out that it came from their end, considering the high standards they are maintaining. They are looking at the possibility that their third-party provider, which takes care of their waste disposal, is responsible for all the mess that they are in. The third party that is based in Mandaue City, has refused to comment on the issue, noting that there is an ongoing investigation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Later on, we see how everything is mismanaged which leads to many other questions.
We may not see it today but the results of destroying our environment at this time will affect the future generations. Way back when, my parents said they used to swim in rivers and climb trees. I did not have this kind of childhood, and the only thing I can climb on with no fear is the silk hammock used for aerial yoga. The point is cliché. We have been clamoring since yesterday to save the environment, to preserve what we have now for the future. However, I don’t think we can do that with the many advancements in technology that require the destruction of the environment.
It is a constant battle to side with the environment or go forward with the development that our country deserves. Yet, I don’t think it has to be all very complex. It would be easier if we just focus on the main point which is to save our seas. Let us put in mind that we don’t own all the natural resources that we see. Also, I believe in the power of karma and what it can do. If we don’t do something today, it might be too late tomorrow.
The DENR, which is in charge of regulating trash, seems to be lax in monitoring establishments, especially those whose permits have already been released. If regulations and inspections are only done on a yearly basis, then I think setting standards is almost but not at all useless. People, especially those who are after financial benefit can get away with breaking the rules especially if there is not too much monitoring.
I’m not sure if this will be my last chronicle on the floating waste that is seen off the shores of Lapu-Lapu City, but I hope this will come to an end. We all deserve a peaceful and livable city, without the hospital waste.
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