Taking the initiative

WHAT would it really take to rid Angeles City and Porac of air pollution? What would it really take to close down all those piggeries and poultry farms which are the alleged source of foul smell that has been the bane of the residents' existence?

A group led by businessman Ruperto Cruz has, time and again, been urging the local government units and government agencies concerned to close down the said firms in question.

Mr. Cruz and members of the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement have, time and again, rallied against these farms, voicing out their concerns about the health of their kabalens in the said areas.

Time and again, they have felt that their pleas have fallen on deaf ears, for reasons unknown.

A latest move made by the group is to urge the LGUs concerned not to issue business permits to these firms until complaints against them have not been resolved - a move which was given support by Gov. Lilia Pineda.

The PGKM welcomed the governor's support in trying to resolve the issue, saying this "gives light to the tunnel of our struggle to eliminate the foul smell that has killed our fellow environmentalists."

So far, Mr. Cruz said the governor is the only ranking official in the province that has expressed willingness to solve the issue.

If this is true, then what have our other officials been doing?

Your guess is as good as ours.