Keep Antipolo ‘Alay-Lakad’ litter-free, pilgrims urged

MANILA, Philippines - A waste and pollution watchdog appealed to those who will join the penitential walk to Antipolo City tomorrow not to make a repeat of last year’s “garbage-filled Alay-Lakad.”

Tin Vergara, zero waste campaigner of EcoWaste Coalition, said, “Littering is an environmental sin that many pilgrims take for granted as they carry out their penitential walk from their homes to Antipolo City.”

Rampant littering during the Alay-Lakad in previous years, according to EcoWaste Coalition, has tarnished what was supposed to be a solemn act of reparation for wrongs done and an affirmation of faith in God.

Fearing that some national and local candidates will take advantage of the influx of pilgrims to Antipolo, the EcoWaste Coalition urged them not to use the solemn activity for their campaign.

“We appeal to all candidates in the midterm polls not to distribute leaflets or hang banners and posters on trees, electric posts and other prohibited spots that will surely add to the garbage woes and lessen the solemnity of the walk,” Vergara said.

Last year, the EcoWaste Coalition decried the unchecked disposal of trash along the Alay-Lakad routes such as Ortigas Avenue Extension, Marcos Highway and Sumulong Highway, particularly at the Cainta and Tikling junction, and in the vicinity of churches and roadside Stations of the Cross where pilgrims briefly stopped to pray.

Among the most littered items were food packaging materials, plastic bags, cups and straws, soiled newspapers and corrugated boxes, and cigarette butts, according to the group.

The EcoWaste Coalition reminded the pilgrims that there is no justification for any citizen to defy Republic Act 9003’s ban on littering.

RA 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, prohibits littering and burning of discards and other acts that could endanger public health and the environment.

Littering is punishable with a fine of P300 to P1,000 or community service of one to 15 days at the locality where the violation is made, or both.

On the other hand, open burning of trash is punishable with a fine ranging from P300 to P1,000, or one- to 15-day imprisonment, or both.

Apart from not littering, the EcoWaste Coalition advised the pilgrims to put their trash in their pockets or bags until disposing them of in a proper place.

“Refrain from smoking during the walk to prevent pollution from tobacco smoke, and bring water in a reusable container to avoid buying bottled water or palamig (cold drinks) in plastic bags or cups,” Vergara said.

To reduce the consumption and disposal of single-use plastic bags, she also advised the pilgrims to bring a reusable carry bag if they plan to bring home any of Antipolo’s delicacies.