STREETS AND LIFE: street life and everything in between

I have been walking in the streets my whole life – morning, afternoon, and night. Sometimes, it’s where the memories and happiness are shared. It’s where I wait for my friends – our meeting place. It’s where I breathe and take a break from everything. In this city life I am in, it is where I get to see and appreciate the night sky. It’s where my young heart restlessly played. There is so much more in my life that I have been thankful for the existence of these tiny and narrow streets, and it is not only me. I am sure that many people benefit from it, too. But how can we enjoy all of these if it is not a safe place to begin with?

Brgy. 704 is just one among the many streets in the metro that lacks streetlights, and this is a serious concern for the people living nearby. Many residents have also expressed their worries regarding this issue, yet it has still not reached the list of concerns of the Brgy. Officials.

“Talagang nakakatakot kapag naglalakad pauwi nang mag-isa kapag madilim ang kalsada dahil hindi mo alam kung anong maaaring mangyari sa’yo o kung mayroong biglang manakit sa’yo”

“’Yung mga madidilim na daanan tulad nitong sa atin, nagiging dahilan ‘yan ng takot at parang pagkapraning ng mga dumadaan na tao dahil sa posibilidad na may mangyaring hindi maganda sa kanila”

“Kadalasan kasi ‘yung mga insidente dito sa atin eh dito nangyayari sa madidilim na daan kaya sana yung mga nakaupo dyan sa barangay ay may gawin tungkol dito”

These were the exact words of the residents from this Brgy. Reflecting on these, we’ll realize that it all makes sense, and their opinions and thoughts are valid because they are the first to be affected in this neighborhood. It’s just a wonder until now as to the reason why, still, the lights are uninstalled.

The question now is, should we wait for them to make a move?

I bet you don’t. If the issue concerns our safety, I believe that it is better to start the change from us and in fact, we could do a lot of things. If all households install lights in front of their house, the light will be enough to light up the streets. If they have a budget, they may also buy solar lights – a good investment and help for them. If on a tight budget, they may just create their own by following the steps as suggested by the Liter of Light organization.

Ensuring the safety of the residents is one of the responsibilities of the officials, but it is not only up to them. The residents should also become aware and involved especially in community issues that put their safety at risk.

Be involved and make a move. Let’s do something about it.

#ACallForASafeWayHome

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Written by: Alexandrea A. Padolina