Stench of Trash

I used to tell the young kids that during our time, class suspensions after typhoons would last about a month. They would gasp in disbelief. Well, now, they have their own story to tell. Kristine is much worse than Monang or any other typhoons then. Yes, the winds were not very strong. Trees and electric posts did not topple over to block roads. But, this is probably the first time that flood waters rose up to swallow entire first levels of buildings, and even tempted to climb up the second floor. Before, the worst case would be waters rising up to around chest level. Then, when the storm stops, residents could wade on the murky pool to get by with life and wait for it to subside.

But, this latest flood rose up high and stayed up high for quite a long time. Not only that, it thrashed everything on its way. When I checked my workplace, it seemed as if the whole room was shaken violently. How could that massive amount of liquid have toppled heavy furniture? Did flood flashed all around that room with a modest floor area?

Well, more than a week later, commerce in the vast public market where the masses purchase all sorts of commodities is put on hold by the miry and reeking waters that spread through every stall that should have supported livelihood for many a family. Lines are still long on automated teller machines. Maybe, because many of the banks ATMs are offline or people are withdrawing money to buy supplies to replace soaked out furniture and appliances. I was in one of the Western Union outlets and the staff there was telling the clients (who I presume were there to claim remittances from abroad) that she was running out of cash for claimants because the bills in the banks got soaked wet. Someone told me that those wet bills would be turned over to Bangko Sentral, but, think about the big hassle it brought.

I think it was good that resumption of classes in schools in all levels got pushed one week further. In some campuses, the waters were just starting to subside. Then, the tedious process of cleaning up the residual muddy waters and all the damage brought on equipment and documents would just start. Besides, the uniformity of resumption of classes for all levels and all schools would help in the implementation of rehabilitation and assistance programs.

Put on a facemask not against the virus, but to protect you from the stench that could make you puke your guts out. Piles of trash marked the front areas of establishments and on barangay streets. We understand that due to the massive amount of materials being rendered useless, the garbage trucks are overwhelmed with the tremendous task. But, when will they get all these pile of dump?

There are things that give off even more stench.

Politicians and candidates use the distribution of relief packs for egotistic ends. “Kami ang nagtao saindo, kaya kami ang padangaton nindo!” I heard this on a relief pack distribution. I just found it disgusting.

Candidates take the opportunity to smear opponents. There seem to be agents of candidates whose tasks are to watch for mistakes that opponents would make in these times of relief operations. What sort of evil is it that drives men to wait to pounce on public servants who help the poor? Don’t they prey on the poor when they do that?

Politicians and candidates take the opportunity to aggrandize themselves. Yes, Sir. Yes, Ma’am. Thank you for every effort. But why do I feel that in a subtle way, you’re pushing your name on our psyche?

Local government officials deliver inefficient service. Sir, where were you when the rains were raging? Why couldn’t we call all the numbers you posted?

Media people amplify issues to promote or put down a certain candidate. Yes, that thing that a certain personality could have been done better. But, why can’t you stop ranting about it? I’m starting to think there’s something else stinky behind that blabber.

Citizens complain on execution of procedures of relief programs. Assistance and relief packs are already being doled out; and you still want them distributed directly to your house. Come on. Procedures are followed for everyone’s benefit, not just yours.

Citizens complain of not getting enough, disregarding the management of order in the distribution of aid. People seem to just want to get more and more. They don’t seem to mind their neighbors who hd it even worse.

They all stink of foul self-centeredness.

Let’s clean up.

“No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24