MMDA collects 11 truckloads of trash along papal convoy routes

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has so far collected 11 truckloads of trash from the various motorcades of the Papal convoy since the arrival in Manila of Pope Francis last Thursday.

Francis Martinez, MMDA Metro Parkway Clearing Group head, said that although crowds are disciplined and they disperse immediately after the papal convoy passed, people would leave behind plastic water bottles, food wrappers, Styrofoam containers and barbecue sticks.

"Outside the Manila Cathedral alone, our street sweepers collected three truck loads of trash," said Martinez.

Martinez said 560 roadside clearing group members are deployed by the MMDA along the papal routes and event venues in the cities of Manila and Pasay as early as 4 a.m.

To help keep the streets clean, Martinez advised the public who want to see the Pope in the various venues to use reusable food containers instead and bring with them plastic garbage bags for their refuse.

Meanwhile, Martinez reminded those attending today’s Mass at the Quirino Grandstand that plastic bottles are not allowed inside the Mass venue.

"Plastic bottles will be prohibited but I'm sure there will be attempts to bring in the event," he said.

Martinez said the MMDA expects five to six million people to attend the Papal Mass at the Quirino Grandstand on Sunday.