Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition is calling on devotees and organizers of the 2026 Traslacion to commit to a “trash-less” celebration, urging the public to transform the massive religious procession into a model of environmental stewardship.
The appeal comes ahead of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, which historically draws millions of pilgrims to the streets of Manila but also leaves behind hundreds of tons of garbage.
Ochie Tolentino, EcoWaste Coalition Zero Waste Campaigner, stated that devotion should not lead to pollution and urged the faithful to manifest their gratitude by keeping the feast as clean as any faith-inspired act should be.
The scale of the waste problem remains significant, with the Manila City government reporting the collection of 468 metric tons of garbage—equivalent to roughly 158 truckloads—during the 2024 festivities.
Despite the deployment of street sweepers, the group noted that the procession route is often left with a “carpet of trash” consisting of single-use plastic bottles, food containers, cigarette butts, and soiled diapers.
To mitigate the environmental impact, the coalition is encouraging devotees to bring their own water in refillable containers and food in reusable carriers to eliminate the need for single-use plastics.
They also urged local authorities to strictly implement Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which prohibits littering in public places and carries specific penalties for violators.
The group recommended that event organizers deploy “eco-volunteers” to monitor compliance and remind participants to manage their waste properly throughout the day.
The call for a cleaner Traslacion coincides with the observance of January as National Zero Waste Month.
EcoWaste Coalition emphasized that protecting the environment is an integral part of “environmental citizenship,” echoing recent government initiatives like the Kalinisan program.
Tolentino added that it is unacceptable to leave a trail of litter even if workers are tasked to clean up, urging that this year’s devotion reflect care for both the Creator and the creation.
