62 truckloads of trash collected from Manila cemeteries

Screengrab from INQ Today live video

MANILA, Philippines – At least 62 truckloads of trash (or 148 metric tons) have been collected so far from both the Manila North Cemetery and the Manila South Cemetery during the commemoration of this year’s Undas, said the city’s local government unit (LGU).

This number came from Monday’s LGU’s Department of Public Services report. According to Manila LGU spokesperson Princess Abante, this data was collected beginning October 31. Final reports, she said, will be released on Wednesday.

Based on the report, this year saw an increase in the trash collected on the same dates from 2019. In 2019, 136 metric tons of trash were collected, whereas, in 2022, 148 metric tons were collected.

The LGU said that this increase was due to Severe Tropical Storm Paeng, which ravaged the country, including Metro Manila, in the weekend leading up to Undas.

“This increase can be attributed to the additional garbage generated due to the aftermath of Typhoon Paeng, like fallen trees, leaves, etc.” said the report.

In 2019, 121 trucks were collected in the two cemeteries from October 10 to November 2.

This year marks the first Undas season where people can visit their late loved ones in cemeteries again since the COVID-19 lockdowns.

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JPV