Folk’s attitude worsening garbage in Burnham Park

By Jasmin Kiaso and Kenneth Francisco

BAGUIO CITY -- It is people’s disposition and not the lack of trash cans, signage and lack of street sweepers that is worsening the garbage problem here at Burnham Park.

           

This was the realization of students taking their master’s degree in social studies at Benguet State University.

           

These student-professionals posed as “real” street sweepers at the Burnham Park for two Saturdays to prod on why Burnham has garbage problems despite the provision of trash bins and putting of signage such as “no littering” all around the area.

           

Through close observations and series of in-depth interviews, the students were able to draw this conclusion.

           

In this two-day activity, the students were able to know how street sweepers are being treated.

           

One of the students (who conducted this research/activity) related that he experienced what he calls as illustrado syndrome which means the person who just litter or scatter garbage anywhere feels that a helper or janitor will take care of his/her wastes.

           

One student also said that some vendors and boat owners seem to not care even if their customers litter anywhere. She stated that “maybe for them they do not care as long as they have income and they have customers and buyers.”

           

Another student said that she encountered a woman who said there are janitors around the Burnham Lake so she doesn’t mind cleaning her own area.

           

“The problem is with the people (both locals and tourists, who tend to indiscriminately litter despite ordinances and laws made to penalize such acts,” another student said in his reflection after the activity.

           

They noted that every park goer or even passersby should have the social responsibility and personal accountability of disposing their waste properly.

           

 They also added that this garbage problem involves political and cultural issues. As related by a gardener and horticulturist in Burnham Park, the conflict of interest and priorities is taking this problem longer.

           

This activity was in coordination with the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) and City Hall of Baguio.

They presented the results of their observation to Baguio officials on May 25.