As I said on my last entry, I'm going to share with you what I think we can do to help make this country a better place to live in.

* Avoid having to bribe or give "lagay" to the government employees by doing these simple steps:

1.Observe traffic rules, especially those that are most prone to red tape when violated: § Use the designated pedestrian lanes, overpass and underpass walkways (if there are any)
§ Don't beat the red light
§ Follow the traffic signs like: "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn."

2.Urinate only on the designated areas! Guys, there is NO EXCUSE for peeing like a dog in public!!! Wait. There is one. If you're out in the country and there's no gas station or public washroom nearby. But aside from that, use the urinals!

3.Follow the natural process on government-related applications or requisitions
§ Either wait for the timeframe for processing OR try to ask the employee to consider your request (this sometimes works)
§ Don't skip the necessary steps (ex. Written assessments, medical tests, getting approval from the baranggay captain or mayor, etc.)
§ Provide all necessary documents. (Ex: NSO-authenticated birth certificate, valid ID, NBI clearance, etc.)
§ Fall in line and wait for your turn!!!

* Keep our environment clean

1.Throw your garbage only in the designated area
2.Sort your garbage
3.Don't throw wrappers, plastic bottles, cigarette butts on public roads
4.If you don't see a trash can/bin nearby, keep it with you until you find one
5.Recycle
6.Avoid buying stuff you don't need
7.Sell or better yet, donate unused clothes and books, and other items to those in need

* Conserve:

1.Water
§ If you have a bath tub, try using the shower
§ If you have a shower, try using a pail and dipper OR try using this option as often as you can
§ If you only use a pail and dipper, avoid splashing yourself with water which wastes a lot. If you pour it just right, you can minimize the amount of water that goes to waste.
§ Recycle laundry water and use it for cleaning up the front yard, wash area, bathroom, etc.
§ When washing the dishes, use a basin where you can keep the water to rinse them in.

2.Electricity/Energy
§ Unplug appliances when not in use. (Ex: If you don't think you'll be watching TV for another 3 or 4 hours, unplug it)
§ Minimize TV viewing, especially if your TV has subwoofers and eats up a lot of electricity
§ Minimize listening to the radio. Let's admit it. Most of the time, we're not really listening to what's being aired. We just want some noise, which is not good for the ears. Silence can help you relax or focus more. Try it.
§ Start your day early (only applicable to those in the morning shift, of course) so you don't have to turn the lights on while you're up. This way, you also retire early and save on light consumption.
§ If you're using an airconditioner, minimize use by setting a schedule for usage, often set at sleeping hours
§ If you're using an electric fan just so you won't get bitten by mosquitoes, use a mosquito net instead.
§ Schedule ironing of clothes
§ Minimize use of heat-generating appliances (oven toaster, microwave oven, clothes dryer, hair dryer, etc.)

3.Gasoline or Petrol:
§ Avoid over accessorizing so your car doesn't get too heavAvoid using the A/C as much as possible
§ Use the first gear from a stop, not the second. This uses up a lot of gas and can also damage your engine
§ Join a carpool or start one
§ Commute when and if you can
§ Use a motorbike
§ Use a bicycle
§ Walk if your school or office is just nearby

* Help those in need - Join an organization to give material, financial, or emotional support to our fellow kababayans. Whether you want to help build houses, teach kids how to read or do math, teach mothers some handicraft skills, sponsor a scholarship, buy materials for their project, there's surely an org out there who can help you do these things

* Don't give money to beggars = Give them food, something to drink, toys, books, anything beneficial and useful to them (except rugby and cough syrup, of course).

* Instill discipline and good values to your children

* Live by example

* Encourage friends and family members to abide by the rules

　These may all seem difficult to achieve, but if we just take the first step, we'd be surprised to know that it's not that hard at all, and it can even make us feel good about ourselves.

　Honestly, out of the things I've mentioned above, I'd be struggling a bit when it comes to sorting the trash. But I'll start tonight.