Public urged to leave pilgrim sites litter-free amid Holy Week 2025 activities

The San Jose del Monte government and Ecowaste Coalition on Tuesday urged the public to leave pilgrim sites litter-free this Holy Week.

In a joint statement, Ecowaste and San Jose del Monte government said some visitors leave plastic bottles and leftovers in Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine, a popular pilgrim site in Barangay Graceville, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

“We appeal to all visitors to keep the pilgrimage site and the streets leading to it litter-free at all times.  As cleanliness is next to godliness, we ask the faithful to dispose of their trash in the designated bins,” said Thelma Bautista of the city’s environment and natural resources office.

Bautista advised the public to bring their trash to their homes for disposal should there be insufficient garbage bins in the area.

“As stewards of His creation, we have the shared responsibility of keeping the pilgrimage site, especially the prayer and picnic areas, litter-free,” EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator Aileen Lucero said.

To prevent and reduce the generation of trash, the public may engage in the following practices:

• Bring water in a reusable tumbler to avoid buying bottled water.
• Get your bottle refilled in water stations set up by civic groups.
• Refrain from consuming food in single-use plastic packaging.
• Don’t throw litter on the ground.  Place your discards in proper bins or bring them home.
• Bring a reusable bag for “pasalubong” and say no to plastic bags.

Under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, those found to be littering in public places may be fined up to P1,000 or render community service for 15 days at most.

Other pilgrim sites in San Jose del Monte are the Our Lady of La Salette Quasi-Parish and Padre Pio Mountain of Healing.

This year, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday will be observed on April 17 and 18, which are declared regular holidays.

Meanwhile, Black Saturday, which will be observed on April 19, is declared a special non-working holiday. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News