Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition on Saturday expressed concern over widespread littering at Rizal Park and Quiapo in Manila following the Traslacion procession attended by millions of devotees for the Jesus Nazareno feast.
In a press release, the group said public spaces were left littered after the nearly 30-hour procession reenacting the transfer of the revered image of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
It noted that trash-filled streets once again mirrored scenes from 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 various types of waste along the procession route, including plastic packaging, food waste, cigarette butts, abandoned slippers, and mixed rubbish left behind for government cleaners.
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 found along streets and gutters where devotees gathered, including single-use plastic bottles, food packaging, bamboo skewers, and food leftovers.
Despite these concerns, EcoWaste Coalition acknowledged positive practices such as the reduced use of plastic decorations, the availability of water dispensers, banana-leaf food packaging, and prompt cleanup efforts by sanitation workers.
The group thanked waste workers and renewed its call for devotees to “clean as you go,” stressing that devotion should go hand in hand with a clean Traslacion.