Prelate, environmental watchdog: Don’t turn cemeteries into ‘huge garbage bins’

MANILA, Philippines— A Catholic Bishop and an environmental watchdog appealed to the public Monday not to turn cemeteries into “huge garbage bins” as the country’s observance of “Undas,” or All Saints’ Day nears.

Over a week ahead, Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez Jr. and the EcoWaste Coalition said it is but necessary to remind people to treat the environment with utmost respect—being cautious of the impact of their activities to the air, land and water.

“Our wasteful consumption and the tons of garbage we create daily defy the covenant between human beings and God the Creator, and this has to change if we are to get through the environmental and health woes facing our people,” Iñiguez said on its advocacy for an “ecological” observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2.

He said people can join hands in downsizing the waste volume during Undas by being more careful with what they consume and throw away.

The EcoWaste Coalition echoed Bishop Iñiguez’s plea for an ecological Undas with a parallel call for garbage prevention, particularly in cemeteries.

“It will be disrespectful to litter anywhere, especially in the final resting place of our departed loved ones. Cemeteries are consecrated sites, not dumpsites,” she said.