Antipolo City: The Antipolo City government and an environmental watchdog on Wednesday called on participants of the "Alay Lakad," a sacred tradition celebrated every Maundy Thursday, to maintain the cleanliness of the Antipolo Cathedral. 'Let us honor this sacred tradition with respect for our environment. A clean city reflects our discipline and devotion,' Mayor Casimiro Ynares III said in a statement.
According to Philippines News Agency, pilgrims from different parts of Metro Manila join the Alay Lakad or walking pilgrimage to the church, also known as the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. They do this to fulfill their promise, affirm their faith, seek divine intercession, or give thanks for blessings and favors received in the past year.
This year, the Diocese of Antipolo is eyeing a Guinness World Record for the 'largest gathering for a walking spiritual pilgrimage in 12 hours.' Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos said such a record would highlight the spiritual significance of the pilgrimage and bring global recognition to the cultural and religious traditions of the Philippines.
EcoWaste Coalition backed Ynares's call, urging pilgrims to 'be part of the solution, not the pollution.' 'We admire the dedication of the participants, especially the youth, to walk for hours amid the scorching summer heat and complete the pilgrimage,' EcoWaste Coalition Zero Waste Campaigner Cris Luague said. 'We trust all participants will manifest their faith in a way that will not leave a carpet of trash along the route.'
The group reminded the public that littering is prohibited under Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Such prohibition is also stated in city and municipal environmental regulations, such as Antipolo City Ordinance 2008-287 or the Basura Code.
The group also appealed to all pilgrims and participants to bring reusable water tumblers; take meals in reusable containers and not in disposables; dispose of discards in proper bins; not set trash on fire; and refrain from smoking or vaping.
