An environmental group staged a rally in front of Quiapo Church on Saturday, Jan. 6, urging Black Nazarene devotees to make this year's Traslacion litter-free.

The EcoWaste Coalition called on all devotees to maintain cleanliness during the feast of the Black Nazarene as it is celebrated in conjunction with the National Zero Waste Month.

During a short program held by the group together with the Green Brigade Team of the parish, they waved banners and placards stating “Kalakip ng debosyon ang malinis na Traslacion (Devotion goes with clean Traslacion).”

EcoWaste Coalition lead campaigner Ochie Tolentino said that not leaving any garbage along the processional route from Rizal Park to Quiapo Church will reflect the devotees understanding of their responsibilities as “stewards of God's creation.”

“We appeal to all devotees, as people of strong faith, to join hands in solidarity to make this year’s Traslacion as litter-free as possible,” she added.

“Iwasan at bawasan ang basura sa paggunita ng Traslacion (Avoid and reduce waste in celebrating Traslacion)” and “Ang hindi pagkakalat ay pagrespeto sa Poong Nazareno (Not littering is showing respect to the Black Nazarene)” were some of their messages on their placards.

According to Tolentino, they were reiterating the 2013 message from Pope Francis to all Catholics.

"To make a serious commitment to respect and protect creation, to be attentive to every person, to counter the culture of waste and disposable, and to promote a culture of solidarity and encounter," the pope said.

Based on the group's trash monitoring activities, the most littered items in the past Traslacion were disposable food and beverage containers and wrappers made of paper and plastic, food leftovers, bamboo skewers, and cigarette butts.

In 2012, former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, now based in Vatican City, challenged devotees to clean up after themselves.

“Patunayan natin na hindi na natin hihilahin si Poong Nazareno at ang kalikasan pababa dahil sa ating kawalan ng pagmamalasakit. Hindi mo basurahan ang buong siyudad ng Maynila. Magpakumbaba, ‘wag tayong maging mayabang. (Let's prove that we will no longer drag the Black Nazarene and our nature down because of our lack of concern. The entire city of Manila is not your trash bin. Be humble, let's not be arrogant),” he said.

Representatives from parish-based groups, barangays, and members of the Samahan ng mga Mangangalakal ng Scrap sa Capulong (SMNC) in Tondo were also present during the rally.