Groups clean up Rizal Park of trash after Black Nazarene vigil

MANILA, Jan. 9, 2012—Multi-sectoral groups joined efforts in cleaning up portions of Luneta Park of trash right after the vigil in honor of the Black Nazarene, January 9.

Church and civic groups, comprising workers and volunteers from the Archdiocese of Manila Ecology Ministry, San Jose de Trozo Parish, the St. John the Baptist Parish (also known as the Quiapo Church) and devotees from Malolos, Bulacan took part in the clean up after the Holy Mass presided by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle this morning.

Other volunteers who helped in picking up trash include students from the Nazarene Catholic School, Santa Isabel College and Universidad de Manila, and government workers from Manila’s Department of Public Services, Metro Manila Development Authority and the National Parks Development Committee.

Environmental network EcoWaste coalition commended the quick action of the Church and civic groups in picking up the waste left by devotees.

“We laud the various groups led by the Church for their noble environmental service,” said Roy Alvarez, president of EcoWaste Coalition.

"We look forward to a more ecological celebration of our faith as more and more Filipinos heed the call for ecological awareness, conversion and action," he added.

Some unorganized waste pickers also retrieved recyclable discards such as PET bottles to be sold to junk shops.

Among the discards left by devotees, according to the group were plastic bags, food wrappers, polystyrene containers for hot drinks and for meals, improvised sleeping mats, and rubber slippers. (CBCPNews)