When Super Typhon Yolanda aka Typhoon Haiyan hit the city that i so love Tacloban City , Philippines and with the thousands that died that ateful day of November 8,2013 the city virtually stinked. Thats, then we remembered our 1,900 square meters sea side farm fronting the shoreline of Tacloban.In short we took refuge in our seaside farm where it was clean and the air fresh. At first we are content living in a tent situated in a small clearing.Never we realized we build a native house ,sleep for nights and plant trees and other vegetable all organic.
Our stay in the farm which we called the Poor mans Seaside farm ( our neighbors are filthy rich and owns posh vacation houses)opened our eyes and heart to be concerned with the environment . First sans electricity we have to scout for someone to help us install a solar lamp.Fortunately I meet Dan, a Director of the Sustainable Energy for Enterprise Development for Communities(SEED4Com). a Non Government Organization (NGO) whose concern is on environment , renewable energy and community development.He likewise invited me to be a program officer of the NGO for the area.
Everymorning, specially when there is a high tide the beach side of the farm is filled with one meter rubbish and garbage thrown to the sea. We always clean the beach and use it as landfill. i took pictures of the garbage and we report them to authorities.
On the first week of march , a boat owned by Green peace M/V Rainbow Warriors docked at Tacloban city. I had the great opportunity to be invited to attend various forums about climate change, climate Justice,Zero waste Management and other programs of Greenpeace. We likewise rode the first Eco jeep/bus of the city.
It is worth noting and it warms my heart that there are many of us who are too very much concerned to preserve and protect mother earth. Professional,businessmen,students,academe ,religious,youth ,urban and rural dwellers and are willing to join as rainbow warriors and environmental angels.
My concern , my problem about our beach front is somehow mitigated as i found in those who were at the boat a strong collective resolve to at all coast guard the beaches of Tacloban and strictly adhere to the boats and other environmental groups important "R" in zero waste management REFUSAL...refusal to patronize establishments that use single plastics,to buy things e dont need but want only and refusal to throw garbage in the sea and other waterways .
