An environmental protection-focused group has called on devotees and other participants of the Traslacion 2026 in Manila to observe cleanliness and the proper disposal of trash during the conduct of the traditional procession that is expected to be attended by millions on Jan. 9.

On Tuesday, Jan. 6, members of EcoWaste Coalition, together with the Samahan ng mga Mangangalakal sa Capulong and the Barangay Silangan Resource Collectors’ Association, flocked to Quiapo Church carrying their banner “Kalakip ng debosyon ang malinis na Traslacio," urging the participants of the annual event to fulfill their spiritual vows in a manner that will not leave a trail of trash along the processional route of the image of Jesus Nazareno from Luneta to Quiapo.

"We request all the devotees to manifest their devotion to Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno in a way that will respect the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment and demonstrate our role as caretakers or stewards of God’s Creation. Littering should never form part of the Traslacion and of our being in communion with Christ, the Redeemer,” EcoWaste Coalition Zero Waste Campaigner Ochie Tolentino said.

“It’s high time we recognize that the ‘cross of throw-away culture’ as literally displayed in the rampant littering during the Traslacion, which has become a ‘tradition’ in itself, as dishonoring Jesus Nazareno and should be discontinued,” she added.

Tolentino and her group encouraged the public to heed the following reminders to ensure cleanliness, order, and respect during the conduct of the traditional procession:

To the devotees - Choose to re-use, reject single-use throw-away products and packaging, and put trash in its place.

To vendors - Avoid using single-use plastic for snacks and drinks, and ensure you pack out all waste.

To food and water givers - Offer water and food in reusable containers. Refrain from using single-use plastic bags, bottles, cups, and polystyrene or Styrofoam containers.

To fiesta organizers - Don’t use plastic bags (i.e., “plastic labo”) as banderitas, or street garlands.

To all fiesta participants - Commit to a litter-free fiesta, and ensure ecological waste management throughout the festivities.

The event concluded with the attendees cleaning off litter around the church using broomsticks and tongs.

According to EcoWaste Coalition, the Manila Department of Public Services (DPS) had collected 468 metric tons of garbage during the Traslacion activities from Jan. 6 to 10 in 2024.

Last year, 382 metric tons were collected from Jan. 8 to 10.

Among the common waste materials left behind in parks and streets were polystyrene food containers, plastic cups and cutlery, plastic bags, plastic straws, bamboo skewers, cigarette filters, vapes, and loads of food waste, which often end up in landfills.