In Legazpi, ‘basura’ tale teaches kids value of environment

LEGAZPI CITY — “If we don’t stop throwing garbage into the sea, the green will become black and we will live in the ‘basura’ (garbage) world.”

Thus said Zarina Ricafranca, 9, after hearing stories on the importance of environment conservation during the Inquirer Read-Along session at Puro Elementary School here last week.

Ricafranca was among 70 children who were thrilled when the character of Basura Monster, played by a speech and theater arts student from Bicol University (BU), came to life while the story bearing his name was being read.

Rafael Lerin, fourth year student of BU, narrated the story “Basura Monster” (Garbage Monster) written by Christine Bersola-Babao.

The story was about teaching people of their responsibility as guardians of the sea and inculcating in them the importance of proper waste disposal.

Young minds

Ginelle Sisno also gave life to the story “Ang Huling Puno” (The Last Tree), written by Richard Reynante and illustrated by Arnold Nuestro, which was about the role of children in protecting the environment.

“I am a witness to the flooding here in Legazpi City. I hope this endeavor would remind everyone that even a simple trash can destroy the environment. You can bring home the wrappers of candies or food you eat for proper disposal,” Lerin said.

Dana Alpajaro, one of the class advisers in Grade 4, said the read-along was “a big help to guide the young minds in managing and maintaining the environment.”

Jasmine Bermas, also a class adviser, said students would also become advocates in promoting cleanliness. “They are the ones who will tell the people, especially the children, to become responsible in throwing their trash,” she said.

Ricafranca said she hated the monster for eating all the fishes, seashells, crabs and food of the people. “If it happens in real life, people will also die,” she said.

Saving the sea

Mark Apin, 9, said people should “save the sea from trash and segregate the biodegradable from nonbiodegradable.”

“I will tell other people near the (Legazpi) boulevard to throw their garbage in proper places,” he added, referring to the seashore here that is home to one of the city’s recreational and tourist spots.

Hennessy Pinto, 9, said she learned how to reuse, reduce and recycle materials. Puro Elementary School is located less than a kilometer from the boulevard which offers a breathtaking view of Mount Mayon and the hill called Sleeping Lion.

Lately, the boulevard attracted attention due to garbage that floated from Macabalo and Sagumayo rivers and settled on the shore, spoiling the beauty of the area.

Sisno, a broadcasting student of BU, said the stories taught the students to treasure everything in their surroundings.

“I’ve learned that if we cut the trees, nothing will help us prevent flooding,” Dave Añonuevo, 9, said.

Glize Cuyno, 9, said: “If there are no trees, we can never breathe fresh air and eventually, we will die.”