JANUARY 2, 2026 — As preparations intensify for the 2026 Feast of the Black Nazarene, environmental advocates are sounding the alarm over the mounting garbage problem that has plagued past Traslacion events. The EcoWaste Coalition urged devotees and authorities to confront the issue head-on, warning that unchecked littering threatens both public health and the environment.

The group stressed that the January 9 procession coincides with Zero Waste Month, a reminder that faith-driven gatherings should not leave behind mountains of trash. 

“Let our people’s profound faith in Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno inspire us to be better stewards of our planet, preventing and reducing waste and not littering, a punishable environmental offense, at all times but most especially during the Traslacion, a faith-centered feast,” said Zero Waste Campaigner Ochie Tolentino.

Data from past celebrations reveal the scale of the problem: 468 metric tons of garbage were collected during the 2024 festivities, followed by 382 metric tons in 2025. Streets were littered with plastic bottles — some filled with urine — food containers, bamboo sticks, cigarette butts, disposable vapes, and food waste.

Tolentino warned that “the reckless disposal of single-use plastic bottles, food containers, bamboo skewers, leftovers, butts and vapes degrades our shared environment, contaminating land, air, and water, blocking drains leading to flashfloods, creating breeding grounds for flies, mosquitoes, and rodents, and causing health problems.” 

She added that the uncontrolled dumping of trash in landfills releases greenhouse gases, worsening climate change and disproportionately affecting poor communities.

The Coalition pressed authorities to strictly enforce Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which penalizes littering with fines ranging from P300 to P1,000 and community service. They also criticized the absence of a clear littering ban during last year’s feast, which left sanitation workers overwhelmed after cleaning up trash from the Pahalik, Fiesta Misa Mayor, and overnight vigil at Quirino Grandstand.

Devotion meets discipline in Traslacion’s waste dilemma

Should devotion to the Black Nazarene really be a reason to ignore the mess left on the streets? Can faith alone excuse the piles of trash that come with the Traslacion? 

Respect during religious events isn’t just about honoring God — it’s also about showing consideration for fellow Filipinos and the environment. Taking responsibility during the feast proves that faith and discipline should go together. 

The Traslacion may be one of the country’s biggest religious gatherings, but the growing problem of waste is now impossible to ignore. 

(Image: EcoWaste Coalition)