Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia expressed gratitude to Cebuanos for the successful “Sinulog Is Back: The Concert” held at the Cebu City Sports Center last night. However, the aftermath of the event, highlighted by a viral post from MyTV Cebu, has sparked heated discussions online. The sight of litter scattered across the venue reignited concerns about Filipinos’ attitudes toward cleanliness, discipline, and accountability.
This dugyot nation mindset isn’t isolated to Cebu, of course, let alone this specific event. The problem reflects a deeper cultural pattern of normalizing behavior that perpetuates the Philippines’ negative connotation of being “dugyot” (messy or dirty). Can we stop this mindset and move toward change?
Related Post: The Open Line Media Forum: How MyTV Cebu Becomes a Top Source of Cebu News
Hanoi: The Most Polluted City in the World
As we discuss the Philippines’ garbage issues, it’s worth looking beyond our borders. Recent data from AirVisual, as reported by SunStar Cebu, reveals that Hanoi, Vietnam, is currently the most polluted city in the world. Factors such as industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and inadequate waste management contribute to this alarming ranking.
The Philippines, fortunately, isn’t topping these charts—but our negligence toward proper waste disposal during major events, like Sinulog, and in cities like Manila, puts us on a precarious path.
Manila’s Stinking Uncollected Garbage
Manila, the country’s capital, faces its own garbage woes with uncollected post-holiday trash causing a stink. This problem was attributed to the failure of the city’s former garbage contractor to collect trash. With an estimated 10,000 tons of waste generated daily, much of it ends up polluting streets and clogging waterways.
Efforts such as waste segregation and recycling programs exist, but their impact is often limited due to weak enforcement and a lack of public participation. The situation in Manila, arguably worse than the aftermath of Sinulog, underscores the urgent need for systemic reform and a cultural shift in waste management practices.
I remember Former Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso being quoted, saying, “Alagaan ninyo ito. Hindi araw-araw Pasko. ’Wag ninyong bababuyin. ’Di baleng maging mahirap tayo, ’wag lang tayong maging dugyot.” [Take care of it. Not every day is Christmas. Don’t let it go. It doesn’t matter if we are poor, just don’t be messy or dirty.]
The Aftermath Is a Wake-Up Call
The viral post from MyTV Cebu sparked discussions about the trash problem during Sinulog is Back The Concert. Critics argued that such posts only highlighted the negative side of the event and ignored the “after care” efforts. However, as JP Abecilla – The Millennial Writer aptly pointed out, relying on after-care teams shouldn’t justify careless littering.
Why do we continue to normalize this behavior?
- “Naandan na” (It’s normal): Many Filipinos dismiss irresponsible habits as part of cultural norms.
- “May maglilinis naman” (There’s always someone to clean up): This attitude perpetuates laziness and lack of accountability.
- “Hindi lang naman tayo” (It’s not just us): While this may be true, shifting the blame doesn’t solve the problem.
Breaking the Cycle of Dugyot Nation Mindset
We have the power to change the narrative. Here’s how:
- Start with discipline: Whether it’s during festivals, public gatherings, or daily life, disposing of waste properly should be non-negotiable.
- Shift cultural attitudes: Campaigns like “Huwag Kang Duwag, Magtapon ng Basura” (Don’t Be a Coward, Throw Your Trash Properly) can help spark behavioral changes.
- Empower local governments and communities: Stronger policies, better enforcement, and grassroots movements can tackle the garbage problem more effectively.
- Educate and involve the youth: The younger generation is more environmentally conscious. Let’s equip them to lead the way.
Moving Forward
It’s easy to point fingers at others or downplay the issue by comparing it to global problems like Hanoi’s pollution. But as Filipinos, we must stop excusing our actions and take ownership of our environment.
The Philippines doesn’t have to be known as a dugyot nation. With a collective effort, accountability, and a shift in mindset, we can create a cleaner, more disciplined country—one step, and one piece of trash, at a time.
So, the next time you celebrate any event, remember: change starts with you. Let’s leave behind more than just memories of joy and celebration—let’s leave a cleaner, more dignified Philippines!
