ENVIRONMENTAL watchdog EcoWaste Coalition on Saturday lamented widespread littering at Rizal Park and Quiapo in Manila as millions of devotees joined the Traslacion procession during the Jesus Nazareno feast.
In a statement, the group said widespread littering marred public spaces in Manila following the 30-hour procession reenacting the transfer of the revered image of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
The group noted that scenes of trash-filled streets mirrored previous celebrations despite repeated calls for a waste-free Traslacion.
“Our repeated pleas for a waste-free conduct of Traslacion have gone unheeded,” Ochie Tolentino, Zero Waste Campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition, said.
“Such a blatant disregard for our environment is unacceptable, especially given our current reality of climate emergency, pervasive pollution and biodiversity loss, or what is termed as the triple planetary crisis.”
EcoWaste’s “Basura Patrollers” reported finding assorted waste at the Quirino Grandstand and along the procession route, including plastic packaging, food waste, cigarette butts, abandoned slippers and mixed rubbish left for government cleaners to collect.
The group also flagged the improper use of empty plastic bottles for urination, which were later discarded in garbage piles and near overflowing bins.
In Quiapo, litter was also found along streets and gutters where devotees gathered, including single-use plastic bottles, food packaging, bamboo skewers and food leftovers.
Despite the challenges, EcoWaste Coalition acknowledged positive efforts such as reduced use of plastic decorations, provision of water dispensers, banana-leaf food packaging and immediate cleanup operations by sanitation workers.
The group thanked waste workers and reiterated its call for devotees to practice “clean as you go,” stressing that “kalakip ng debosyon ang malinis na Traslacion (devotion goes hand in hand with a clean Traslacion).”