IT IS funny how we become so well ordered and compliant with rules and regulations when we are inside the economic zones such as Clark and Subic. We observe traffic rules such as First-to-Stop-First-to-Go, observe the speed limit, buckle our seatbelts, and throw our garbage in the proper bins. We obey all these rules inside the eco zones not only because we think and feel like somehow we are in the United States, but also because we know that sanctions and punishments are for real when we are inside these former US military bases.
However, it is even funnier how we, the moment we step out of these zones, forget all about rules and the proper things to do elsewhere we go. We try to beat the yellow light, go past pedestrian lanes while there are people crossing, park in no-parking areas and PWD slots, and gamble with the speedometers along the expressways. I can go on with this list and need more space, but the main point is, we seemingly live in a paradox. We live in self-contradiction, inconsistency, and indifference.
To prove this point, common warning signs such as “No Crossing” along highways have become so hard-hitting and hostile, saying “Bawal Tumawid, Nakamamatay.” Or, the “No Littering” sign have become “Bawal Magtapon ng Basura Dito, Isasama Namin Kayo sa Basurang Itinapon Ninyo.” Being ruthless in reminding Filipinos to follow simple community policies has worked so far, but we still cannot say that we have a hundred percent discipline self-restraint and compliance.
The provision of closed circuit cameras or CCTVs in major thoroughfares and streets has also contributed to the compliance level of Filipinos, obviously due to the fact that this technology can be used as evidences of offenses made by citizens, both petty and serious crimes. Singapore exemplifies how a sophisticated and extensive CCTV monitoring can be used as deterrent to crimes and attacks. Let us just hope one day, it will happen here in our country.
With the re-opening of the famous Boracay Island to local and foreign tourists on October 26, the Boracay Interagency Task Force for Rehabilitation is set to strictly enforce the guidelines and schemes which were already implemented during the soft opening. Firstly, the number of tourists to be accommodated in the island will be limited to 6,405 daily through a new scheme of entry and exit point for tourists and workers, and the “no booking, no entry” policy requiring tourists to have a pre-booking with the accredited hotels before they are allowed entry.
Other regulations include the banning of drinking and smoking in public places, banning of beach parties, suspension of water activities, banning of beachfront obstructions, regulation of sandcastle-making, and banning the use of single-use plastics.
All these new guidelines show how keen the government is in restoring the lost beauty of Boracay, and we as the locals who should be proud to have such a world-renowned tourist destination, must be the first ones to abide by these regulations. Now is the high time that we make use of our eco zone mentality in Boracay and in any place we go to here in our beautiful country.