Environmental group calls for clean, green Traslacion 2024 at Rizal Park

Nazareno 2024: Live Updates for The Feast of Black Nazarene

File photo shows a  long line of devotees around Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park as thousands wait for their turn to kiss or touch the foot of the Black Nazarene (pahalik) hours before the “Traslacion” (INQUIRER / MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)

MANILA, Philippines — To promote and preserve public health and the environment, the EcoWaste Coalition on Sunday reminded devotees of the Black Nazarene who will take part in the Traslacion 2024  to adhere to Rizal Park’s “No smoking, No littering” policy.

“As Black Nazarene devotees line up for the traditional ‘Pahalik’ at the Quirino Grandstand, we appeal to everyone to be considerate and refrain from smoking and littering in Metro Manila’s largest urban park,” EcoWaste Coalition zero-waste campaigner Ochie Tolentino said in a statement.

“Keeping Rizal Park and the entire Traslacion smoke- and litter-free will be a huge challenge, but we remain hopeful that it can be achieved with the devotees leading the way,” Tolentino added.

“As imitation is at the heart of being human, we hope many, if not all, will be inspired to copy devotees who do not litter, smoke, or vape because they care for themselves and the people around them and their surroundings,” she furthered.   

The group’s call, according to Tolentino, is also in line with the country’s observance of “Zero Waste Month” this January and the recently launched “Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas” program of the current administration. 

“Traslacion 2024 provides a good opportunity to show our solidarity with our nation’s efforts to prevent and reduce pollution, which is essential if we are to uphold the human right of every Filipino to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment,” EcoWaste pointed out. 

It added that the park’s policy also complies with the Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act), Republic Act 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act), and Metro Manila Development Authority Regulation 96-009, among others. 

EcoWaste said that its staff, along with members of the Samahan ng mga Mangangalakal ng Scrap sa Capulong, will conduct clean-up operations within the Quirino Grandstand vicinity on January 9.