Many movie fans or those who idolize the actor Kevin Costner (or both) will surely be familiar with this week’s column title since it apes that of a 1990’s film about a world almost entirely submerged inwater. Waxing a little philosophical now, this near-sighted Ibaloy ponders on water’s duality: The element makes it possible for various species, including humans, to exist (people can only survive a few days without water, after all), while too much of it can also cause the demise of many living things especially those that are land-dwelling through floods, tsunamis and the like.
Just think of the biblical flood where only Noah and his family, including two of each animal, were saved (thanks to Noah’s Ark) when an angry Jehovah caused the catastrophic inundation of Earth. Of course, one does not have to believe in this story which, honestly, sounds so fantastic and far out. You can just read, listen to, watch or stream the daily news and see for yourself the number of lives lost due to flooding incidents, drowning, and those who succumb to water-borne diseases. If water gives life, it can also take it away. Just like that.
Anyway, the continuous rains these past weeks in many areas of our beautiful archipelago of delicious coconuts and smiling carabaos have turned these into mini waterworlds especially in the lowlands. Experts point out that contributing factors to flooding, or the overflow of water onto land that is normally dry, include insufficient drainage systems (or the lack of it) and garbage thrown indiscriminately that clog drainages and other waterways; and more. So, dispose of your garbage properly. If you can’t be part of the solution, kindly stop being part of the problem.
It’s nice to know that the city government led by Mayor Benjie Magalong and spearheaded by the City Engineering Office under Engr. Vic Olpindo are in the process of developing a comprehensive drainage master plan to address Baguio’s drainage challenges and create a robust and sustainable system that will manage water flow effectively especially during heavy rains and monsoon seasons. Here’s hoping for the plan’s immediate development and successful implementation.
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
April 29, 2024
