Saving lives of Pangasinenses

Many were inclined to describe the unprecedented catastrophe caused by storm Ondoy as a manifestation of the wrath of God. Perhaps so for people who cannot or refuse to comprehend why people had to suffer interminably from such a harsh calamitous event.  While keeping faith in the goodness of our Creator is paramount in our lives, we, too, have been taught that God helps those who help themselves.

Taking stock of the situation, therefore, it should be worthwhile for us to describe Ondoy as part-nature’s wrath, part man-made disaster.  Understanding the nature component of the calamity can only be addressed by our failure or ability to prepare for such events. The human component points to no other than our wasteful, neglectful lifestyle and being remiss in our responsibilities towards our environment.

If we didn’t think that there was nothing new to be learned from past calamities, including recent Cosme’s destructive visit, perhaps the unprecedented extensive loss to lives and properties, the shock and awe delivered by Ondoy dawned on us finally that it’s time to embrace the hard and critical lessons to be learned.

Staring in our eyes is a series of mega typhoons and storms waiting to occur. Gone is the common perception that the rains and strong winds are about our traditional wet season.  We have been amply warned by Ondoy that unless we prepare and reform, the worst is yet to happen to us in Pangasinan.

The urgent reform being invoked is a drastic change principally in our attitude and outlook towards our environment.  ‘Our’ refers to our local government, to us as a community and individuals. We must take serious steps to finally clean and clear our rivers and tributaries; strictly enforce our laws regulating use of our rivers and cutting of trees, the disposal of garbage and everything that pollutes our air and water.

The call of Burgos mayor to other mayors to adopt an ordinance banning the use of plastic bags and wrappers for commercial and domestic use is one such drastic move for our immediate protection. The plan to regularly dredge our rivers, minus the usual corruption that accompanies it, will help ensure the speedy exit of floodwaters from our communities. The clearing of riverbanks of squatters is a safeguard to save lives and ensure cleaner waterways. Strict monitoring of fish pen operations will help minimize siltation in our rivers. The impoundment of vehicles that emit black smoke through their exhaust pipes will help minimize the destruction of our ozone layer. Certainly our communities can think of hundred and more ideas.

In sum, it’s time we start thinking seriously about saving lives, particularly the lives of next generation of Pangasinenses.

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