MANILA — Zero-waste advocates have renewed their calls for a clean and trash-free Traslacion as preparations for the 2026 commemoration begin.

In a statement Thursday, EcoWaste Coalition reminded the public to keep the streets clean and waste-free as they gear up for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno on January 9.

The group said the feast will coincide with the celebration of Zero Waste Month this January, stressing that it was “every person’s [responsibility] to care for Mother Earth as stewards of God’s Creation.”

“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.

EcoWaste Coalition noted that the previous Traslacion celebration in 2025 resulted in 468 and 382 metric tons of garbage collected from January 6 to 10, 2024, and January 8 to 10, 2025. Most of the garbage consisted of small items such as plastic bottles that were either empty or contained urine, food containers, bamboo sticks, food waste, cigarettes, and disposable vapes.

“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 said.

“The unrestrained generation of garbage and its mixed disposal in landfills releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change that adversely impacts everyone, impoverished and marginalized communities,” Tolentino added.

The group also urged authorities to fully enforce the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which penalizes litterers with a P300 to P1,000 fine and community service.

Last year, EcoWaste Coalition criticized the 2025 Jesus Nazareno feast for “out-of-control” littering that left sanitation workers tired and exhausted. The group also highlighted the lack of a littering ban and the significant amount of garbage left at the Pahalik, Fiesta Misa Mayor, and overnight vigil at the Quirino Grandstand and Parade Ground.