3 simple ways to be responsible for your own trash this Undas

MANILA — As millions of Filipinos flock to cemeteries to remember their departed loved ones on All Saints Day, environmental groups call on the public to reduce the amount of garbage they leave in cemeteries. 

Speaking to ABS-CBN News outside the Manila North Cemetery, Ochie Tolentino, Zero Campaigner of the Ecowaste Coalition explained that All Saint’s Day is a sacred moment for many families. Part of this is also maintaining a clean environment. 

“Sagrado po sa atin yung cultural and traditional laws. Kaya sana po maisagawa po natin ito ng naaayon sa kalooban ng Diyos at naaayon sa batas,” she said.

Among the many types of garbage left along small alleys and even tombs are single-use plastics which many use to carry their belongings. 

Tolentino and the Manila North Cemetery Administration urged the public to be more responsible cemetery visitors with the following tips. 

• Bring a water tumbler instead of bottled water
• Avoid bringing single-use plastic utensils and containers

“Yung mga ginagamit natin sa dinadala natin pagkain na mga paper plates, plastic na kutsara tinidor, at saka yung number one ay yung mga bottled water. Kailangan po magdala po tayo ng ating mga water tumbler para maiwasan po natin kasi yun po yung nagiging bulk ng basura sa ngayon,” Tolentino said. 

• Bring your own garbage bag and dispose waste properly

“May area naman kami ng tamang tapunan. Sana makisama po sila,” said Manila North Cemetery administrator Daniel Tan. 

While he did not give concrete figures, Tan expects the volume of garbage to be much lower compared to previous years. 

“Wala nang vendors sa loob. Noong araw may mga tindahan ng mga fast food. Wala na ngayon po, hindi na pinapayagan,” he said. 

Tan said they expect some two million Filipinos to visit the biggest cemetery in Metro Manila throughout the week. 

He reminded the public to be mindful of the things they bring into the cemetery compound. Weapons, gambling paraphernalia, instruments, speakers and pets are not allowed in the cemetery to ensure a quiet and solemn remembrance of the departed.