By Jel Santos Forty-seven truckloads of garbage were collected by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) after the procession of the Black Nazarene in Manila on Jan. 9, MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said Friday. MMDA and Manila City Hall Department of Public service personnel collect garbage left by the devotees after the Feast of the Black Nazarene. (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN) “We have collected a total of 47 truckloads of garbage during the ‘Traslacion’ of the Black Nazarene, which is equivalent to 564 cubic meter or 160 tons. More garbage was hauled this year, two truckloads more,” she said. Last year, MMDA collected 45 truckloads of garbage after the procession of the well-venerated image of the Black Nazarene. After the image left the Quirino Grandstand, Pialago said their men collected a total of seven truckloads of trash . She said there is more garbage collected this year because people waited along the route and did somewhat of a picnic, leaving their trash after eating. “Last year, people are all in the Quirino Grandstand. Devotees this year waited along the route to join the procession. They were snacking while they were waiting, and just leaving their trash,” the MMDA spokesperson explained. Acccording to Pialago, MMDA finished collecting garbage on January 10 around 3 p.m. This was despite the appeal of the government, the Catholic Church, and environmental groups to devotees to dispose of their trash properly. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, in particular, has expressed dismay over the garbage left by devotees, saying they are “appalled.” Millions of Filipinos took part of the annual procession of the Black Nazarene.