A culture of cleanliness

Photo by cc

A BLAST from the past: I remember way back in high school at the Ateneo de Naga while sitting in a class listening to my History teacher, he said something that was etched to the core of my mind. He was actually reminiscing about how pristine and beautiful the Naga River was during his younger days. The waters of the river was so clean then that if you drop a one peso coin into the river you could still see it at the bottom.

Well those were days gone by. A historic part of an era just resurrected every time older people would tell stories to the younger generations. That is certainly not the case right now. The Naga River is greenish brown and murky almost like mud. It could be worse though like the Pasig River but if you drop a one peso coin into the river you will not see it and you will have a difficult time finding it. No sir. If you don’t have the patience looking for it you have lost your money.

If there is a cleanliness contest in all places I have been to in the Philippines this would be the general observation — the provinces are much cleaner than the urbanized centers but with exceptions of course. Makati is like a different country. It is opulent and regal. While Quiapo needs some work in the cleaning aspect. Marikina is cleaner than most parts of the other cities in Metro Manila. In Metro Manila there is a great disparity in terms of clean places. There are shanty towns spread sporadically across the area while there are world class malls at par with international shopping centers.

Cebu is filled with tourists from abroad because they have kept their territory well maintained in terms of sanitation. Baguio is generally appealing in much the same way as Iloilo, Bohol, Ilocos provinces, and Bicolandia including Naga. Urban renewal and urban planning are the prime movers in the cleanliness situation of any place in the country or in the world for that matter.

This is what I have noticed when I went to Kuala Lumpur. Roads, avenues, and highways are well constructed and nicely planned. In their city you will feel like you are in a forest. The trees are standing and reaching toward the skies proudly while providing a canopy against the rays and heat of the tropical sun. While I was at the hotel at the higher floor we even saw an eagle or falcon soaring in the majestic sky. That experience was quite memorable.

To be fair there are also old parts of KL that look much like Quiapo or old Manila. But they have built a very competitive metropolis that is clean and green. And KL is huge. The good roads don’t stop in the city they extend until the border with Singapore. Traveling by bus is much faster and much more enjoyable. Again trees and wonderful gardens line the sceneries that you see while seated in a tourist bus with large windows.

Singapore is very impressive. What a beautiful city-state. They have restored the old colonial structures to its former glory. Some were

made into functional hotels, restaurants, and a few into souvenir shops. You will not see electric posts with cables, telephone wires, etc. because they are placed underground. No obstructions of the scenic skyline of the country. Singapore is small but definitely spectacular. Littering is discouraged and even chewing gums are frowned upon. There are corresponding fines and punishments if one is caught desecrating the beauty of the places. Singapore is like the Emerald city in the fictional land of Oz. Every nook and cranny is picture perfect. It is urban glory on top of an imposing pedestal. It left me with the impression that made me wish Manila was just like that.

I haven’t been to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for a time but this year I was a passenger again and was extremely disappointed that the renovation process is taking a much slower pace. Usually the first place that a traveler sees is the airport if they are taking an airplane. And NAIA is definitely an architecture and engineering project challenge waiting to be completed. It looks so old and not in a good way. It needs massive improvement efforts. But soon enough hopefully that would happen.

Now talking about airports I will no longer discuss domestic airports as NAIA pretty much sums it up but with the new NAIA terminals as exceptions. Let’s travel and get inspired by other international airports. The KL airport is nice and presentable but depending on your budget because there is another less appealing airport for cheaper flights. The Abu Dhabi international airport has been recognized as one of the leading hubs in the world. Yes sir, this is not Kansas anymore. You will feel transported to an ambience of an architectural masterpiece that is exceptionally functional as well.

But for myself, in my own two cents worth of opinion the Frankfurt International Airport is the best so far. Why? Because of the mere fact that you feel like you are in an airport. It is airy. It is spacious. And it is modern. The glass panels make you feel very happy because it lets the sunshine in. It is very effective and efficient and staffed with eager employees. You feel the welcoming spirit of Germany and feel a little forlorn as you leave.

Germany is clean. You also take part in it when you eat at a restaurant for instance. You remove the plate, cutlery, and glass from the table which you have used. There is a counter where dirty dishes are stacked for eventual washing by the staff. Here comfort room or CR is called water-closet or WC and you pay for it too just like in the Philippines. You are assured that it is clean. There is stuff that you need and you are fresh once again. The city and countryside are both neat. Thoroughfares are well constructed. Traveling by road is a breeze.

Just a friendly reminder cleanliness is next to godliness. And I’d like to add that with the aforementioned culture if well practiced, cleanliness leads to progressiveness. Third world countries need some shaping up which is understandable while first world countries show that it can be achieved. If they can do it so can we. Enough about that because everything we needed to know about this topic has been taught to us in kindergarten. You throw thrash in a bin. It is that simple. Furthermore, you put garbage in the right container whether biodegradable, non-biodegradable, or if it can be recycled. And then it will go to its final destination, the waste disposal facility wherein the government takes over. It is a team effort.

Enjoying the clean air and immaculate surroundings at the city center of Zurich was quite remarkable. While walking around the city you feel like you are in the biggest mall in Manila. The weather is cool and everything is pleasing to the eyes. But what was striking to me was when I walked towards the river. I saw swans and ducks swimming in it. And when I inspected the waters it was in pristine condition. I could literally see the pebbles at the bottom. I was beaming.

It is interesting to note that my German host told us that it didn’t use to be like that. The river underwent a clean-up drive. And I was glad because hope springs eternal for the Naga River. So that one day when a child of the next generation drops a one peso coin into it the coin will still be seen. Crystal clear clean waters of a living river that runs through the pilgrim city of Naga for the future generations if not for us during our lifetime.