EcoWaste, other groups troop to Plaza Miranda to renew call for litter-free Traslacion 2026

Zero waste advocates trooped to Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday to renew their call for a clean and trash-free observance of this year's Traslacion.

Members of the EcoWaste Coalition, Samahan ng mga Mangangalakal sa Capulong and the Barangay Silangan Resource Collectors’ Association conducted a peaceful assembly in front of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or Quiapo Church, carrying placards and a banner for their call. 

“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,” EcoWaste Coalition Zero Waste campaigner Ochie Tolentino said.  

“Littering should never form part of the Traslacion and of our being in communion with Christ, the Redeemer. 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,” Tolentino said.

Citing data from the Manila Department of Public Services, the advocates said 468 metric tons of garbage were collected during the Traslacion activities from January 6 to 10, 2024. In 2025, a total of 382 metric tons were collected during the same period.

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 food waste.

To make the 2026 Traslacion litter-free, the EcoWaste Coalition appealed to devotees to re-use, reject single-use throw-away products and packaging, and put trash in its place. Vendors are also urged to avoid using single-use plastic for snacks and drinks, and pack out all waste.

Fiesta organizers are discouraged from using plastic bags as banderitas or street garlands and those who will offer free food and water are likewise urged to use reusable containers and refrain from using single-use plastic bags, bottles, cups, and Styrofoam containers.

Last year, the group slammed the “out-of-control” littering during the Feast of Jesus Nazareno that left sanitation workers tired and exhausted.

The group questioned the lack of a littering ban, highlighting the significant amount of garbage left behind at the Pahalik, Fiesta Misa Mayor, and overnight vigil at the Quirino Grandstand and Parade Ground. —KG, GMA Integrated News