Antipolo LGU, EcoWaste appeal to pilgrims for litter-free ‘alay-lakad’ Holy Week

Antipolo City or the Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of EcoWaste Coalition)

MANILA, Philippines — In a joint call for environmental responsibility, Antipolo City’s local government and the EcoWaste Coalition urged citizens participating in the penitential “alay-lakad” pilgrimage this Holy Week to preserve the sanctity of the “Pilgrimage Capital of the Philippines” by refraining from littering and maintaining clean surroundings.

The city government and the group both appealed to youth pilgrims to keep the proverb “cleanliness is next to godliness” in mind as they participate in this year’s Holy Week activities.

“We invite all pilgrims to join hands in keeping the roads leading to the country’s first international shrine free from all forms of garbage as we, Antipolenyos, abide in the city’s 4M campaign, which promotes Mapayapa (peaceful), Mataimtim (solemn), Maingat (vigilant), and among all these, Malinis (clean) observance of the Semana Santa,” said Antipolo Mayor Casimiro Ynares III.

Although they will deploy street sweepers, the mayor added that participants of “alay-lakad” should not throw their trash on sidewalks and streets.

“After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Antipolo City Government is ready to welcome Alay-Lakad pilgrims from near and far. This year’s pilgrimage is even more special with the declaration of the Antipolo Cathedral as the international shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage by the Holy See,” said Ynares.

On the other hand, EcoWaste Coalition zero-waste campaigner Jove Benosa said that the public should ensure that the roads leading to the shrine should be “cigarette butts, food and beverage containers, snack wrappers, food leftovers, plastic bags, soiled papers, and used face masks-free.”

“As ‘cleanliness is next to godliness,’ we urge the faithful not to leave any trail of trash as they walk to Antipolo City to atone for past shortcomings, to say a prayer of petition or to thank the Almighty for an answered prayer,” he said.

Benosa emphasized that citizens are prohibited from littering in public places under the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and Antipolo City Ordinance 2008-287 or Basura Code.

Below are five tips from EcoWaste and Antipolo City government on how to observe an eco-friendly “alay-lakad”:

• Walk with water in a reusable container to avoid consuming water and sweetened drinks in disposable plastic sachets and bottles.
• Opt to take your meals in eateries that serve food and water in reusable containers.
• Bring a reusable carry bag for the suman (rice cake) and other native delicacies that you can bring home from Antipolo.
• Dispose of your discards in proper bins.
• Refrain from smoking or vaping.

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