16 April 2025, Quezon City. The City Government of Antipolo and the EcoWaste Coalition both pitched for environmental stewardship and respect as millions are again expected to take part in the Alay Lakad to the pilgrimage city this Maundy Thursday.
“As we come together for the sacred tradition of Alay Lakad, the City Government of Antipolo urges pilgrims and participants to uphold cleanliness and respect our environment,” said Mayor Casimiro Ynares III. “Let’s honor this sacred tradition with respect for our environment. A clean city reflects our discipline and devotion.”
The EcoWaste Coalition, an advocate for a zero waste and toxics-free society, is backing the timely call of Mayor Ynares. To prevent littering from recurring and blighting the Alay Lakad, the group asked the faithful to “be part of the solution, not the pollution.”
Like in previous years, pilgrims coming from various points of Metro Manila will join the “walking pilgrimage” to the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, or the Antipolo Cathedral, to fulfill their panata, affirm their faith, seek divine intercession, thank the Almighty for blessings and favors received, and for other personal intentions.
For this year’s Alay Lakad, the Diocese of Antipolo is eyeing a Guinness World Record for the “largest gathering for a walking spiritual pilgrimage in 12 hours.” According to Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos: “Such a record would not only highlight the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage but also bring global recognition to the cultural and religious traditions of the Philippines.”
“We admire the dedication of the participants, especially the youth, to walk for hours amid the scorching summer heat and complete the pilgrimage,” said Cris Luague, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition. “With the ardent support of the youth, a Guinness World Record is not far-fetched. We hope this year’s Alay Lakad will shine not only in numbers, but also in terms of being litter-free or almost.”
“We trust all participants will manifest their faith in a way that will not leave a carpet of trash along the route,” he said. “Please be part of the solution, not the pollution, by being respectful and not throwing trash on the ground.”
Year in and year out, street sweepers deployed by the Antipolo City Government and other local government units along the Alay Lakad route had to work in multiple shifts to pick up the widespread trash left by the pilgrims such as plastic bottles, snack packs, food containers, leftovers, soiled papers, cigarette butts and other discards.
To minimize trash and pollution, the EcoWaste Coalition appealed to all Alay Lakad participants to take these reminders to heart:
1. Bring reusable water tumblers to avoid the consumption and disposal of plastic bottles.
2. Take your meals in places serving food and water in reusable containers, not disposables.
3. Dispose of your discards in proper bins, or bring them home if there are no bins around.
4. Show your appreciation to the street sweepers, informal recyclers and other waste workers by not littering and by sorting, not mixing, your discards.
5. Don’t set the heaps of trash on fire to prevent smoke and toxic fumes.
6. Say no to plastic bags; bring reusable bags for pasalubong and souvenirs.
7. Refrain from smoking or vaping (or better still quit cold turkey).
Littering, the EcoWaste Coalition reminded, is a prohibited act under Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, as well as in city and municipal environmental regulations like the Antipolo City Ordinance No. 2008-287, or the Basura Code.
“Remember, Mother Earth is not a garbage can or a dumpsite. Respect and take care of her, and she will continue looking after us and our needs,” the EcoWaste Coalition said, noting that April is the “Month of Planet Earth” and April 22 is the Earth Day.
