Garbage, livelihood, new year

Ben Contreras

IF you’re for the nearest beach in the city, that would be the beach in Opol, that stretch that covers Apple Tree, Roan and Marivillas, etc.

My sisters revisited Apple Tree on Saturday together with my younger brother, nephews and nieces. Though it was still very early in the morning, the place was already swarmed with beachgoers. But it was low tide, perfect for a stroll. Sad to say, the sight that greeted us was garbage, scattered all over the beach, except perhaps that portion in front of Apple Tree which I believe, the management cared to maintain.

Why do people love to throw their garbage just about anywhere? Show me a place that’s clean and I will be ashamed to litter. But show me a place that’s strewn with garbage. Chances are, I might do the same.

The point is, beach operators can compel beachgoers not to throw their garbage anywhere or refuse them entry. But operators should also provide the garbage cans, and make the beachgoers well informed about such practice and policy.

A place frequently visited by people provides business or livelihood opportunities to the locals like food, tour services and tokens. The local governments should teach and encourage people to observe cleanliness in the beaches.

The Opol beach has the potentials as a tourist attraction if there would be investors and developers to transform the area. Since Opol has a fishlanding area nearby, fresh fish can be offered to beach goers. The aroma of grilled fish can attract people from a distance.

Another potential livelihood is boat rental to a “white island.” Boat owners should moderate their greed by not overcharging beachgoers. Make the fee affordable, and go for volume. Steep prices can discourage would-be customers while affordable prices can make satisfied customers best advertisers.

I would like to see this place turned into a tourist destination. But please, make the place clean and free of garbage. It can be done. Just do it.

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Soon, it would be 2016. Christmas silently drifts to a new beginning. It’s funny though because this time, I didn’t seem to feel it. The supposed excitement seems to have been drowned by many things to attend to, not to mention that I need to work double time to make a living.

The good days when I had a good paying job is over. Today, I am back to square one. My only consolation is that I no longer have students. They’re all earning their own money.

Looking back, I wonder how I made it, sending my kids to school until they earned their degrees. I never monitored how much I earned and spent. I just keep myself busy moving around, looking for opportunities to make money. There were ups and downs along the way. But like my younger brother said, “You’re a fighter.” The biggest credit I can give to myself is, I didn’t live beyond my means, and I have a very good wife.

The new year offers changes. Perhaps, a new home and a new work place. Or maybe, retirement! I leave everything to destiny. Happy new year to one and all!