As the nation observes the Month of Planet Earth under Presidential Proclamation No. 1482, the EcoWaste Coalition has called on Filipinos to celebrate Holy Week in an environmentally responsible way.
On Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, as devotees carried palaspas to churches to commemorate Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the environmental group appealed for an ecological observance of the sacred week.
“Amid the triple planetary crisis facing humanity — biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution — we call on the faithful to show their concern for the environment as the suffering, death, and resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ is recounted through time-honored religious events, rituals and practices this Holy Week,” the EcoWaste Coalition stated.
“Conducting our faith-inspired activities in an ecological manner will give Mother Earth a breather from wastes and pollutants afflicting her on a daily basis. As stewards of God’s creations, let us respect and protect the Earth, our common home, and all life on it,” the group emphasized.
The Coalition also reminded political candidates that campaign activities are prohibited by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. They urged candidates not to post campaign materials on trees or utility poles, especially along pilgrimage routes, and to avoid hanging “Happy Easter” banners that contribute to campaign waste.
To promote a greener Holy Week, the EcoWaste Coalition offered the following tips:
- Avoid littering, waste dumping, and open burning, especially in pilgrimage sites.
- Use recycled and lead-safe materials for Pabasa ng Pasyon huts.
- Offer food for Caridad in reusable containers—no single-use plastic or paper.
- Opt for walking, biking, or using public transport for Visita Iglesia.
- Keep the Alay-Lakad to Antipolo smoke-, litter-, and vape-free; bring refillable water containers.
- Pick up litter during the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross).
- Use mercury-free LED lights and local plants to decorate karosa for Good Friday processions.
- Skip firecrackers and balloons during Salubong; ring church bells or clap hands instead.
- Plan meaningful, low-waste Easter games for children.
- Donate pre-loved items to Caritas Manila’s Segunda Mana or support Alay Kapwa and other charities.
- Choose a staycation for quiet reflection or quality time with loved ones.
- For vacationers, follow the principle: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.”
- Bring trash home for proper segregation and recycling if no bins are available.
The group also encouraged everyone to consider going meatless during the Holy Week, pointing out that a plant-based diet helps lower one’s carbon footprint.
“Do not throw or leave your discards on the road, churchyard, park, or the beach. If there are no segregation bins available, carry your discards with you for sorting, composting or recycling at home,” the EcoWaste Coalition reminded all citizens.
Let your Holy Week be a time for both spiritual renewal and care for creation—share this Good Balita story and help spread the message of a cleaner, greener celebration.
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