Moreno orders trash-less, obstruction-free Traslacion
MANILA, Philippines — Days before the annual procession of the Black Nazarene, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and call for a trash-less, obstruction-free Traslacion this year.
Traslacion refers to the transfer of the image of the Nazareno from its original home inside Intramuros to its present home at the Minor Basilica in Quiapo. It is traditionally celebrated on January 9.
Moreno in his weekly Facebook update Monday said the safety of devotees, who are mostly barefoot, must be ensured.
“I want the entire stretch of Traslacion (route) to be clear visually (of vendors and other obstructions),” he said. “No type of obstruction will be allowed. When I say all — all, including government officers.”
Monsignor Hernando Coronel, Rector of Quiapo Church, also called for a cleaner and safer Traslacion, urging devotees “to cut down on plastic waste and other discards.”
At a gathering in Plaza Miranda last Friday, Jove Benosa, Zero Waste Campaigner of the EcoWaste Coalition, appealed to devotees to practice their faith by keeping the surroundings clean.
“We ask the faithful to express and live their faith in a way that will protect the environment from preventable pollutants such as disposable plastics,” said Benosa.
Noli Abinales, Founder of Buklod Tao and member of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Board of Directors, echoed Benosa’s plea: “We’re keeping our fingers crossed that this year’s Traslacion will depart from the habitual trashing of Luneta and the processional route as devotees carry out their spiritual vows in an eco-friendly manner.”
Last year’s Traslacion, where 2.5 million devotees participated, saw 43 truckloads of trash.
“We remain hopeful that the repeated reminders from all quarters to cut back on plastic waste and other discards will not again fall on deaf ears,” Benosa said.
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