CEBU – Unfortunately, our cruise along the coastal waters of Cebu Island was disturbed by the views that greeted us.

Our experience was disrupted by a pungent odor and a distressing sight: Cebu’s coastal areas filled with an overwhelming amount of floating trash!

Pasil, one of the barangays in Cebu dealing with poverty and informal settlements, is also plagued by severe waste management issues. Despite its proximity to the city’s largest and fastest-developing area, the South Road Properties, it seemed to have been overlooked by the government. While efforts have been made to enhance the surrounding roads and infrastructure, the equally crucial need for effective waste management and clean waterways needs to be addressed urgently.

How Floating Trash Impacts Cebu’s Coastal Beauty

As we drifted through the troubled waters, our tour guide revealed that this very route is being promoted as the official route for future cruises aimed at foreign tourists, which may cause potential harm to the tourism industry. For visitors seeking the peaceful beauty of Cebu, encountering such scenes could lead to negative reviews and tarnish our reputation. It could discourage repeat visits and affect the island’s long-term appeal, particularly given Cebu’s status as a premier destination in the Visayan region.

Local Voices: Residents’ Thoughts About the Growing Pollution Problem

To uncover the true effects of the pollution, we explored the Pasil area and its surroundings. Marisa (not her real name), a long-time resident, expressed her dissatisfaction, saying, “Mao najud na diri. Kung ganahan kag way baho, adto ka sa mga subdivision! [This is how it is here. If you want to be free from the odor, go to the subdivisions!]” She mentioned that there have been efforts to clean up the area, but more than a one-time cleanup is needed for maintaining cleanliness. “Ang pagmintinar man gud ang lisud kay sa sugod, lami pa kay na; pero, di man nimo makontrol ang taw [It’s the maintainance that makes it difficult; it can start off well, but in the long run, you can’t control other people’s action],” she shared.

It is important to note that Pasil is not just a residential area but also a livelihood hub! Most people thrive on the nearby fish port. Imagine a sea of floating tires, unused plastics, and even used diapers drifting near a boat filled with fish that’ll soon be served to dinner!

But of course, with the correction from the government and the collective efforts of the barangays, a brighter, cleaner future is within reach, right?

A Change of Mindset Is What We Need

We dug deeper to know what efforts were made and found out that in an attempt to address the concern, cleanup drives of the nearby areas were done such as the “City Wide Cleanup Drive”. These drives have significantly improved the cleanliness of the barangay, demonstrating that their collective efforts can make a difference. But, amidst many years of trying, they have seen that the issue may have lessened, but it is still there. Now, what is the root cause?

It turns out the lack of respect towards nature and etiquette towards one another was what prevented their progress. “Naa ma’y clean-up drives ug mga unsa pa na diha, pero, naa raman jud gihapon ang hugaw [We have done clean-up drives and many other things, but it’s still there!],” Caloy (not his real name), a resident exclaimed. The hard-headedness of some residents and visitors in the area results in the never-ending problems with pollution. People still throw their garbage at sea and let the waves do their thing: spreading the trash around!

He also highlighted that there were awareness programs that constantly reminded them to be more environmentally forward, “Daghan ang di mutuo nga malimpyo pa ang Pasil kay mao naman na sukad sauna pa.” Therefore, the unfavorable living conditions and polluted areas can be traced back to generational norms; most residents will settle for what is becoming their normal and refuse to change their mindsets. To break this cycle, we can start by educating our children about the importance of a clean environment, organizing more frequent cleanup drives, and implementing stricter penalties for littering.

#EcoSugboBetterCebu: A Shared Commitment to Preservation

By addressing the issue of coastal trash and embracing responsible travel practices, we can help ensure that our Sugboanon treasures are preserved for future generations. Here’s what we can do:

Think About The Bigger Picture

Everything starts in our minds, such as our decision to do something and take on an advocacy. So, think about what will happen in the next years to come and make your actions have a butterfly effect with each passing day.

Start Small

You don’t have to host an entire clean-up drive with 50 people immediately, instead, what you can do is partner up or participate in existing ones. This way, you’ll get to build your community and know who you’ll be reaching out to for the same advocacy.

Commit & Preach

If you’re one with a wandering soul, it can be tough to stay within one area; so, instead, you can begin by committing with yourself that you’ll observe AND keep on choosing eco-friendly options. Then, opt to educate but do it in an encouraging way that lets both old and new generations see the importance of what you’re doing to the environment.

As we explore Cebu and the wider Philippines, let’s do so with a commitment to sustainability and a dedication to keeping our coastlines clean and beautiful. Together, we can make a lasting impact and celebrate the true essence of this remarkable region. Together, we can #EcoSugbo and make a #BetterCebu!