Environmental watchdog Ecowaste Coalition on Saturday urged devotees of the Black Nazarene to express their faith in a way that is respectful of Mother Earth during the Quiapo Feast on Jan. 9.
The group unfurled a banner stating “Kalakip ng Debosyon ang Malinis na Traslacion” in front of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, in coordination with the Green Brigade Team of the parish.
As the Traslacion is commemorated during “Zero Waste Month” as per Presidential Proclamation 760, series of 2014, the group urged all sectors to ensure the cleanliness of the faith-inspired feast.
“We appeal to all devotees as people of strong faith to join hands in solidarity to make this year’s Traslacion as litter-free as possible,” said Ochie Tolentino, the group’s Zero Waste campaigner.
“Not leaving any garbage behind along the processional route from Rizal Park to Quiapo Church will mirror our understanding of our role and responsibility as stewards of God’s creation.”
The group’s plea for a clean observance of Traslacion 2024 echoes the message made by Pope Francis early in his papacy in 2013, which invited all Catholics to make a serious commitment to respect and protect creation, be attentive to every person, to counter the culture of waste and disposable, and to promote a culture of solidarity and encounter.
Ecowaste has highlighted past commemorations of the Traslacion as littered, an environmental offense prohibited under Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
Among the most littered items are disposable food and beverage containers and wrappers made of paper and plastic, food leftovers, bamboo skewers, and cigarette butts based on the group’s trash monitoring activities.
To prevent and reduce the generation and disposal of garbage during Traslacion 2024, the EcoWaste Coalition recommends the following eco-tips:
– For the fiesta organizers: Remind devotees through regular and novena masses and social media posts to cut back on garbage and not to litter anywhere at all times. Shun disposable plastic banderitas and minimize the use of plastic tarpaulins.
– For the devotees: Avoid consuming items in single-use plastics, abide by Luneta’s “no littering, no smoking” regulation, and always put discards into the proper bins.
– For food and water givers: Offer food or water in reusable containers, avoid giving food or water in single-use plastic bags, bottles or cups, or polystyrene or Styrofoam containers.