‘Plastic-free’ fiesta earns praise for Makati village

A RECYCLABLE FEAST Barangay Kasilawan in Makati City shows the green way of celebrating colorful festivities. EDWIN BACASMAS

A BARANGAY in Makati City is showing how old traditions can be kept alive without the usual “trashy” trappings.

Since Sunday, the streets of Barangay Kasilawan have been adorned with arches and garlands made of recycled or biodegradable materials like cloth, coconut shells and corn husks—instead of decor made of plastic.

The green initiative by the community of about 5,000 residents earned praise from EcoWaste Coalition. The group particularly lauded barangay officials led by the chair, Dr. Kristina Mae Casal-Reyes, and Councilor Rodel Marfori, who heads the committee behind the eco-friendly celebration of the Feast of the Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Abandoned) on May 12.

“We congratulate Barangay Kasilawan for infusing this year’s celebration with much needed concern and action to protect the environment,” said EcoWaste Coalition coordinator Aileen Lucero.

According to the barangay officials, the cloth buntings will be stored and kept for future use, Lucero noted.

Especially during the fiesta season, EcoWaste has been campaigning against the use of plastic or “single-use” buntings, which not only add to a community’s solid waste but are themselves found laden with toxic substances like lead

“We hope that the barangay’s eco-friendly initiative would lead to a decrease in waste generation and to more recycling activities all year round,” Lucero said.