DENR to revelers: Bring trash bags

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 issued tips for an environment-friendly Sinulog Festival today, the foremost being the bringing of trash bags for one’s own garbage.

DENR-7 wants revelers to take at least the four following initiatives to show care for the environment while celebrating the feast of the Sto. Niño: Bring trash bags, bring reusable utensils, bring only sufficient amount of food and drinks placed in reusable or recyclable containers; and do not burn garbage.

Two separate trash bags for non-biodegradable and biodegradable wastes are advised. DENR advised to bring only sufficient food to minimize trash but in case there are leftovers, it is advisable to bring them home for reheating or to become food for pets or compost material.

The burning of garbage especially the tons that the festivity will generate will contribute to air pollution.

DENR said that the estimated 480 tons of garbage per day or half a kilo of garbage per person per day being generated in Cebu City increases by 50 percent on the day of the grand parade.

This is due to the millions of people from all over the world who come to the city to attend the festivities.

“Enjoying the celebration of the Feast of Santo Niño is a treasured tradition of Cebuanos, but we should do away with practices that harm the environment and our health,” said new DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Maximo Dichoso.

Dichoso said that there is nothing wrong celebrating, but the public must also take into consideration the harm that it can bring to the environment if the people continue to be negligent.

“It is important that the public will now seriously consider reducing their garbage, especially those that are not recyclable and biodegradable, as it could be a major cause of flooding during heavy rains. Scores of the uncollected and unsegregated wastes are left spread on the streets or in open lots, or find their way into and choke our rivers and esteros, posing risks to the health and safety of surrounding communities,” Dichoso said.

He urged the local government unit of Cebu City and other business establishments to provide strategically located waste receptacles to encourage the segregation of trash.

The city’s Department of Public Services will deploy over 600 personnel to clean the streets right after the celebration.  (FREEMAN)