By Joseph Pedrajas
The local government of Manila has collected less garbage in this year's "Traslacion" as compared to last year.
The carriage of the Black Nazarene passes Quezon Boulevard, January 9, 2020 (Rio Leonelle Deluvio / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Based on data from the Manila Public Information Office, the Department of Public Services (DPS) collected a total of 68 truckloads—or 330 tons—of garbage in various areas in the city. This is much less than last year's 99 truckloads or 387 tons.
Kenneth Amurao, DPS chief, said that the Quirino Grandstand and the Quiapo area yielded the most number of garbage because the "Pahalik" (touching and kissing of Black Nazarene) was held at the Quirino Grandstand, while the last destination of the procession was in Quiapo Area, where more devotees were waiting.
Amurao attributed the small number of garbage collected to the implementation of “zero vendor policy” on Jan. 8 and 9, the stricter anti-littering law, the faster pace of the procession, and the "continuous calls of the city mayor for everyone to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness and orderliness."
The Manila Police District also collared at least 13 individuals, including several devotees, for littering and illegal disposal of garbage in various areas.