Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
'Tipid-tipid din!' Green group calls on church, gov't to scale down fiestas amid oil crisis
Philippines
National
'Tipid-tipid din!' Green group calls on church, gov't to scale down fiestas amid oil crisis
'Tipid-tipid din!' Green group calls on church, gov't to scale down fiestas amid oil crisis
By Jel Santos
Published Apr 7, 2026 03:13 pm
(ECOWASTE FILE PHOTO)
The EcoWaste Coalition on Tuesday, April 7, urged church and government leaders to scale down fiesta celebrations.
Instead, the group is pushing for simpler and more frugal festivities amid soaring oil and gas prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
“Amid the spiraling fuel prices, we implore our church and local government leaders, including our barangay officials, to work with their constituents in planning for simpler celebrations to ensure that scarce resources are not wasted and are spent to meet the essential needs of vulnerable families,” EcoWaste’s Ochie Tolentino said in a statement.
Savings from simpler celebrations, she said, may be redirected to support households and vulnerable sectors, including transport workers, fisherfolk, and farmers, affected by nonstop oil price increases that have reduced incomes and purchasing power for basic needs.
According to EcoWaste, the ongoing global oil crisis has disrupted supplies and driven up fuel costs, resulting in economic strain in many countries, including the Philippines.
“Keeping community celebrations simple will help in cutting the volume and toxicity of fiesta garbage, which is vital given the ongoing pollution crisis,” said Tolentino.
To reduce waste and unnecessary spending, the group urged communities to avoid disposable decorations such as plastic banderitas and tarpaulins, limit the use of non-essential lighting, and steer clear of firecrackers and fireworks.
EcoWaste also encouraged better food planning to prevent waste, the use of reusable containers instead of single-use plastics, and the setting up of community pantries to assist families in need.
In addition, it advised cutting down on alcohol consumption, avoiding the use of food in street games, and promoting traditional Filipino games that require minimal materials.
EcoWaste also suggested tapping local talents for entertainment instead of staging costly activities.
Recently, the government has also introduced energy-saving measures, including a four-day workweek in some offices, to help reduce electricity use and fuel consumption amid rising oil prices.