Hot logs to classroom chairs

Exactly a year ago today , this author forwarded a letter to Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla requesting for chairs to be used in the External Campus of Leyte Normal University. With unequivocal recommendation from San Isidro ,Leyte Mayor Alan Ang and with a short explanation on the receiving desk in the capitol, we waited for a positive response.

More than a month after, we received a truckload of surprises from the provicial government of Leyte. The prime mover trucks carries about 80 shiny wooden arm chairs newly painted and bearing the unusual markings, conspicously it says “made from confiscated illegal logs”. Clever as it appears, it was something that was a most welcome reality. The good lumber used here were thick and sturdy. The texture was smooth and the wood is expensive judging from my amateur hands running all over it. The students and faculty were amazed and so full with thoughts of gratitude.

Mayor Ang said that these good lumber arm chairs were taken from the cache of illegal logs siezed by the Leyte Province and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources –Leytein its anti-illegal logging operations. Here they are now ending up serving as dignified “salumpuwit” helping underprivileged yet smart students in their schooling.

Clearly, the use of “hot logs” as materials in making arm chairs for public schools distribution is a great scheme worthy of emulation, it may be a plan provided by law or simply mandated by the sharp minds of the officials but in the general sense it’s a noble act of sensible wisdom for a sensible intention.

As time goes by public service is gaining the needed moss of acumen in its stone from the lessons and learning it gains from the foray and occurrence which it had comprehensively experienced. The people are gradually gaining a novel and self-aware experience from taking into accounts the lessons of the past for the gain of a better future.

Instead of selling the logs and pocketing the proceeds the same is used as materials ergo its put into better use. The end-user will be real beneficiaries needing it most .By the same mindset the concept of recycling is employed here. Recycling, collection, processing, and reuse of materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Materials ranging from precious metals to broken glass, from old newspapers to plastic spoons, can be recycled. The recycling process reclaims the original material and uses it in new products.In this case , hot logs or illegal logs is given a new lease of life for a higher purpose aiding the learning process with a sturdy back up of good chairs,it is of course a good thing.

By: Clemelle Montallana

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