CEBU residents and visitors should dispose of garbage properly and avoid littering in the runup to the annual Sinulog Grand Parade next Sunday.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) issued these reminder amid ongoing parades and other festival activities.
“You can just imagine how much more of the garbage we will be generating for this occasion, said DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Maximo O. Dichoso said.
He said waste discharge of about 511 tons per day or 0.7 kilogram per person is generated in Cebu City.
“Enjoying the celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño is a treasured tradition of Cebuanos and it has become an occasion for reunion of families, but we should do away with practices that harm the environment and our health,” he said. The DENR’s appeal:
— The city government and business establishments should put waste cans in strategic areas and promote waste segregation.
— Revelers should bring separate trash bags for biodegradable and nonbiodegradable waste.
— Minimize trash by using re-usable utensils.
— Place food and drinks in reusable or recyclable containers. Bring home leftovers for reheating, pet food, or compost material.
— Avoid burning garbage, which pollutes the air.
The police advised Sinulog organizers not to let aircraft drop confetti along the Sinulog route to keep it clean. And parade floats should not throw items at the crowd to avoid stampedes. Reporter Candeze R. Mongaya and Correspondent Chito Aragon