As many devotees prepare for the highly anticipated "Traslacion" on January 9, toxics watchdog EcoWaste Coalition has urged devotees to manifest their reverence without leaving behind piles of trash.

The Traslacion, which commemorates the transfer of the Black Nazarene image from Intramuros to Quiapo in 1787, is expected to attract massive crowds in a profound display of faith.

“We appeal to all the devotees to manifest their gratitude, affection, and trust to Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazarene by keeping the feast as respectful and clean as any faith-inspired act should be,” Ochie Tolentino, Zero Waste Campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition, said in a statement.

Tolentino stressed that a litter-free Traslacion aligns with the observance of January as Zero Waste Month and the 25th anniversary of Republic Act No. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which prohibits littering and other environmental offenses.

“On January 9, most especially, we urge the devotees to take steps to prevent and reduce the volume of trash, notably single-use plastics, left on the streets for others to pick up and dispose of,” she said.

“It is not OK to leave a trail of litter even if there will be people tasked to clean up after you.”

The local government of Manila reported that last year’s Traslacion generated 158 truckloads of garbage, amounting to 468 metric tons.

The group noted that waste collection from previous years ranged from 43 to 99 truckloads, underscoring the magnitude of the environmental challenge posed by the event.

Waste from procession route

EcoWaste Coalition’s monitoring revealed that the processional route from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo is often littered with single-use plastics, such as water bottles, food containers, and wrappers, as well as cigarette butts, bamboo skewers, and food scraps.

“With COVID-19 pandemic restrictions lifted and everything else returned to normal, we foresee more trash being generated in this year’s Traslacion,” Tolentino warned.

She also noted that some political aspirants might distribute meals and drinks in disposable containers to gain favor, which could worsen the waste problem.

Politicians urged to be responsible

The group called on political aspirants to avoid distributing propaganda materials or putting up tarpaulins along the procession route.

Tolentino echoed the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec’s) reminder to avoid politicizing the religious event.

“It’s very important for the devotees and all other sectors, including the vendors, volunteers, and the politicos, to manifest their concern for the environment by cutting down on single-use plastics and keeping trash to the minimum,” she said.

As such, the EcoWaste encouraged politicians to use reusable food and water containers for their charity work and to ensure these are retrieved, cleaned, and reused.

Practical reminders

The EcoWaste Coalition issued practical reminders for devotees to ensure a cleaner Traslacion, emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility during the religious event.

The group urged participants to avoid littering and to leave no trash behind, to return food and beverage containers to vendors or donors, and to properly dispose of bamboo skewers and other waste.

Devotees were also reminded to refrain from smoking or vaping and to avoid tossing cigarette butts, as well as to avoid spitting or urinating in public.

They were also encouraged to bring reusable bags and to avoid single-use plastics.

“Let us honor Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno not only through our devotion but also through our care for the environment,” Tolentino said.

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