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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider LOOK: Potted plants promote social distancing in breathtaking Batangas church

LOOK: Potted plants promote social distancing in breathtaking Batangas church

Published Mar 10, 2021 11:59 am

St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Barangay Dagatan, Taysan, Batangas, has given new meaning to the whole "plantito-plantita" craze.

Step inside the church and you will find three to four potted plants occupying each pew, or the long wooden benches there.

(Photo via Judith Sancha)

"A unique way of implementing the new normal inside the Parish," wrote 30-year-old native Judith Sancha, who works as a client services lead in Ortigas, Pasig City. She shared a series of photos of the church's new interior design on her Instagram Wednesday, March 10.

The use of potted plants to promote social distancing among the faithful adds to the nature-ly vibe of the open-air church. And it already has that in spades, as the altar is framed by no less than a breathtaking view of the lush, green hills of the location.

(Photo via Judith Sancha)

"I was amazed…It's a breath of fresh air," Sancha told the Manila Bulletin in an interview.

"In Manila, I am used to seeing signages, e.g. printed and laminated materials inside the churches to inform the public of safety protocols. But seeing plants, not to mention how many plants were setup inside St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, I was reminded of how resourceful Filipinos can be and how locals in our community can unite and makes things happen," she said.

"Diyan (St. Lorenzo) ko na nga gusto ikasal, groom na lang kulang (I want to get married there, only the groom is missing)," Sancha added, tongue-in-cheek.

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