Hangin around the islands has been a blast, but my dome can’t get past a few ‘improvements’ that could better the quality of life in this seemingly developing world. A few ideas that have come to mind include waste management, street cleaning, and mandatory smog inspections on automobiles.
Island life is rad — total chill laid-backedness. When you need transport, you flag a bus down and it’ll stop for you unless it’s just too full, fruit and snacks are sold on every corner, there are no 7-11’s, the sea is unbelievably clear, sea creatures lurk, the animals run free, the people are friendly as ever, there’s nothing lacking here but a few minor details. Unfortunately, some western models of improvement would put lanes on the roads, cut-out tricycles all together, and install air conditioners in every building (ahem ‘hk’). But those things are not necessary; rather, they take away from what living on an island is all about.
Perhaps my ideas would need a major push as well, but as far as I can tell, they are feasible. Street cleaning can be done with grey water (or perhaps sea water?). Waste management would need some infrastructure such as bins, garbage collection vehicles, and a landfill, but such models already existing in the west could work here as well. And the smog inspection is a major must. Frankly, the streets out here are too narrow for the capacity of putt-putting motos making and idling their ways down the streets. A mandatory filtration system can minimize the exhaust of these vehicles.
Well, I’m heading to Cebu tonight on an overnight boat. Apparently, I get a cot cuz the ride’s a little ove 5 hours. Sorta not looking forward to it, but ready for some rest nonetheless. Once in Cebu, making a b-line to the airport where we’re flying out to Palawan Island. Once there, going to check out an underground aquatic system and other things that dub Palawan the 7th wonder of the world. Stoked!
I hope some more ideas come to mind regarding this wonderful country. Oh, I guess I should add a note about the notorious corruption of filipino politics and authority. Fortunately, I’ve been lucky enough to not have experienced this yet, as the folks here have been nothing but warm and caring.
Maganda!
