6 January 2026, Manila City/Quezon City. Three days before the reenactment of Traslacion, the EcoWaste Coalition gathered in Plaza Miranda (a Freedom Park) in front of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno to reiterate its call for waste prevention and reduction.

Together with Samahan ng mga Mangangalakal sa Capulong and the Barangay Silangan Resource Collectors’ Association, the waste and pollution watchdog group implored the millions of devotees expected to participate to fulfill their spiritual vows in a manner that will not leave a trail of trash along the processional route from Luneta to Quiapo.

The group peaceably assembled not to protest but to make a timely plea for an ecological feast of the Black Nazarene as summed up in their banner: “Kalakip ng debosyon ang malinis na Traslacion.” The event concluded with the participants cleaning off litter around the church using broomsticks and tongs.

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

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

“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,” she added.

Tolentino, a lay leader herself, reminded fellow Catholics about Laudato Si, the encyclical of Pope Francis on caring for the Earth, our common home, which, among other things, criticizes throw-away culture that fuels crass consumerism and wastefulness. “The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth,” the late pope lamented.

She likewise urged the faithful to reflect and act on what Pope Leo XIV recently said: “Care for creation is truly a vocation for every human being. We are creatures among creatures, entrusted with the responsibility to care for all that the Creator has made.”

To make this year’s Traslacion litter-free and eco-friendly, the EcoWaste Coalition encouraged concerned sectors to heed the following reminders:

1. To the devotees: Choose to re-use, reject single-use throw-away products and packaging, and put trash in its place.
2. To vendors: Avoid using single-use plastic for snacks and drinks, and ensure you pack out all waste.
3. To food and water givers: Offer water and food in reusable containers. Refrain from using single-use plastic bags, bottles, cups, and polystyrene or Styrofoam containers.
4. To fiesta organizers: Don’t use plastic bags (i.e., “plastic labo”) as banderitas, or street garlands.
5. To all fiesta participants: Commit to a litter-free fiesta, and ensure ecological waste management throughout the festivities.

According to the Manila Department of Public Services (DPS), 468 metric tons of garbage were collected during the Traslacion activities from January 6 to 10, 2024. Last year, 382 metric tons were collected from January 8 to 10, 2025.

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 loads of food waste, which often end up in landfills, the EcoWaste Coalition said.

EcoWaste Coalition
78-A Masigla Extension, Barangay Central, 1100 Quezon City, Philippines
Phone: +632-82944807 E-Mail: info@ecowastecoalition.org
Website: http://ecowastecoalition.blogspot.com