OpinionsNeedles in a StackThe dangers of da-ub

The dangers of da-ub

-

- Advertisment -spot_img

[email protected]

Da-ub, the practice gathering and burning fallen leaves and other plant refuse, is a traditional daily chore in the Philippines. But the fact that a practice is traditional is not in itself a sufficient reason to continue it. Rather, the pros and cons of continuing vs. abandoning the practice must be weighed, and if change is deemed necessary, we must have the courage to undertake it.

In the “pros” column, there appear to be several reasons for the practice of da-ub. The smoke repels mosquitoes, if only temporarily. It also helps to control the bugs which attack fruit trees. Further, it is said to encourage trees to bear fruit. Finally, it is an easy and convenient way to get rid of sagbot (leaves, twigs and grass).

But there are alternative, greener ways of controlling mosquitoes and tree-pests; there are other ways to induce fruit trees to bear; organic materials can and should be composted; and if garbage collection is not efficient, that issue can and should be addressed.

There are many costs, many “cons.” Firstly, your right to extend your fist ends where my nose begins: the smoke from these fires can permeate entire neighborhoods for hours, and the constant presence of such smoke can aggravate, and even cause respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and allergies.

Smoke is also known to be carcinogenic (cancer- causing). These effects are multiplied when household trash is burned in combination with sagbot, which adds foul odor and extreme toxicity into the mix. Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to the ill effects of such pollutants.

I understand that this is an age-old tradition, but many things used to be traditional: slavery and human sacrifice come to mind. Furthermore, we did not always live in such close quarters here in the Philippines, and our ancestors were not exposed to as many toxins as we are, from our food, auto emissions and household products.

Changing conditions call for a re-evaluation of traditional practices, especially this one. This is a very serious quality of life issue, which is why laws have been passed to prohibit the practice.

Unfortunately, these laws do not appear to be enforced here in Dumaguete. As a public health advocate (and who among us is against public health?), I’m appalled by the lack of enforcement of this law. The Department of Health should get involved in campaign to discourage da-ub.

The City Fire Department should be involved as well, since it poses a fire hazard, especially when the fire is not attended and has combustible materials in it. The deleterious impact on peoples’ health presumably results in increased costs to the government for medical care, money that is all too scarce, and could be put to far better use.

To any of our dedicated public servants reading this article who agree and understand the seriousness of this issue, I will be very happy to assist them in developing an effective campaign to eradicate this practice. After all, “a healthy Filipino, is a wealthy one.” Don’t we all want a healthy and a happy community?

(Virginia Maja-Stack joins the MetroPost as a regular columnist. She has a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work, specializing in Public Health from New York University. For the last 10 years, Virginia was the chief administrator of Home Care Services in a prestigious community in New York City, called the Henry Street Settlement.)

Previous articleCloser to the people
Next articleTyphoon Juan lessons

Latest news

NegOr workers get wage hike

    Minimum wage earners in the private sector in Negros Oriental have been granted a P33 wage increase by the...

RDC supports Tamlang Valley initiative

  The Regional Development Council-Central Visayas approved Friday four resolutions supporting the Tamlang Valley development project of Negros Oriental in...

Still above the cap

  So the government just announced price ceilings for rice starting Sept. 5. Executive Order 39, issued by President Marcos...

NegOr enforces price cap for rice

  Negros Oriental topped the entire Central Visayas region as having the most number of micro rice retailers who have...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

DOLE to build livelihood center

   for off-season sugar workers  The Department of Labor and Employment will construct a livelihood center for the upskilling of thousands...

3K crime suspects arrested

  Intensified anti-criminality operations in Negros Oriental have led to the arrest of over 3,000 suspects during the first three...

Must read

NegOr workers get wage hike

    Minimum wage earners in the private sector in Negros...

RDC supports Tamlang Valley initiative

  The Regional Development Council-Central Visayas approved Friday four resolutions...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you