11 – Fermat

Reflection

a. What is the most pressing environmental issue in the Philippines?

For me, the most pressing environmental issue the Philippines is facing today, is the
never-ending improper disposal of trash. Let’s face it, most Filipinos are not well disciplined and
also not well educated about the hazardous threats this issue could bring to all of us. Just this
weekend, this issue made a very obvious impact especially to Metro Manila when hanging
Habagat hit us again. Rivers flowed out fast affecting catch-basin areas such as Marikina areas.
And who are not aware of the ‘sea of trash scenario’ brought to Roxas boulevard. This disaster
that we Filipinos are facing right now, we ourselves should take the blame for we unconsciously
asked for it.

b. How does your community respond to it? Your school? Your family? Yourself?

From my observation, our community does take actions to solve this issue. The local
government unit raises programs that help maintain the cleanliness of our roads like clean-up
drives and such. Our school also is implanting a clean and green program. Teachers do always
remind the students to keep the school premises free of litters and also, classrooms have a
‘cleaner for the day’ program and every student is part of it. At home, our family does follow
the ‘Tapat mo, Linis mo’ program. We always broom in front of the house every morning and we
practice proper disposal. I do discipline myself to practice proper disposal and if possible, try to
segregate my garbage.

Ariston, Ernie Clement N.

11 – Fermat

Lights Out

The wick of the candle slowly burns, fades in the dark.

The world is continuously changing in the glimpse of time. From the landscapes, the
animals, the materials, the technology, the people, and all the things that compose the Earth, all
of it are changing, be it good or bad. Technology is really successful upon changing the things on
Earth. It led to discoveries and breakthroughs. It made people’s lives easier; it did really help a
lot, to us at least. But what if this change we think is for the better be the wind that blows the
light out?

In the age of information overload, we people are continuously searching for more,
seeking for advancements, finding answers for the questions left. As we thrive in formulating
solutions, we seem to turn a blind eye to the problem that grows along change, the degradation of
our environment. Pollutions from cars, factories, power plants, garbage, and even the people, all
are contributing to the alarming global warming. Greenhouse gases are continuously growing
and slowly intoxicating the environment, including the people. Along with the rapid growth
population is the demand of supplies, necessities and because of that, we look for more. We cut
down trees for infrastructures, for crops. We generate more garbage, we produce greater carbon
footprints, and all are contributing to the problem.

I am also guilty of these things but as I am becoming more aware of my environment, I

aspire to be the change and be an instrument for others to also change. For me, it’s not yet late to
restore our environment. We should just be more careful and be responsible enough for the
actions we do. The change should not be exclusive to people thus, be beneficial for the whole
world and that change should start with us, within ourselves. Let us not just wait for the light to
fade, keep the hope burning but don’t let it burn the wick out. Be the candle that shares its light
and guide others along the dark way, brighten it up as it’s used to be.