By Nikka Garriga
MANILA CITY, METRO MANILA— Volunteers from different groups went on the task of clearing the grounds shortly after millions of devotees flocked the traditional procession routes for today's Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Among those who took part in the cleanup were church workers and volunteers from the Archdiocese of Manila Ecology Ministry, San Jose de Trozo Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish and devotees from Malolos, Bulacan.
Students from the Nazarene Catholic School, Santa Isabel College and Unibersidad de Manila also participated in the activity.
Some of the most common debris cleared at the procession routes included plastic bags, food wrappers, polystyrene containers for hot drinks and for meals, improvised sleeping mats, and rubber slippers.
Pickers were also seen retrieving recyclable wastes like plastic bottles, which they can sell to junk shops.
The EcoWaste Coalition, meanwhile, praised the effort of the church, government and civic groups who began picking up litter after the Holy Mass this morning held at the Quirino Grandstand.
A post-procession cleanup is also scheduled by the environment watchdog at the Plaza Miranda tonight after the procession.
Huge volumes of trash are a common sight in the wake of the annual religious rite even as authorities continue to strengthen its preparations and appeal for a garbage-free observation of the annual feast.
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