Nazarene devotees fill Luneta Park with trash

Despite repeated appeals from Catholic Church officials and environmental groups, garbage began to accumulate at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila as the bulk of devotees of the Black Nazarene started arriving at the venue Saturday afternoon. Radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported many devotees threw or left behind plastic bags and food wrappers while waiting to join the "Pahalik" and overnight vigil. The image of the Black Nazarene, believed to have miraculous powers, was brought to the Quirino Grandstand before dawn Saturday. It will be brought to the Quiapo Church via grand procession the next day. On Friday, well before activities for the Feast of the Black Nazarene started, Catholic Church officials and the environmental group EcoWaste Coalition had appealed to devotees to keep the event clean. Palace issues last-minute reminders to Nazarene devotees Bring umbrellas, don’t let children join the procession, and be wary of criminals. These were the last-minute reminders Malacañang gave Saturday to devotees joining the activities at this year’s Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila. “Gusto ko lang paalalahanan ang kababayang mag-take part sa procession sa Quiapo sa Black Nazarene, mag-ingat tayo. Sinabi na may chance ng ulan so magdala tayo ng payong. At ulitin natin an gating pakiusap na huwag magdala ng bata (We want to remind those taking part in the procession to be careful. State weather forecasters had said there is a chance of rain, so bring umbrellas. And don’t let children join the procession)," deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. At least six million devotees are expected to take part in the yearly feast, which is highlighted by the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church. Valte said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda was to join the procession. She also pointed out there have been many injuries due to the sheer number of people attending the procession. In many cases, devotees get hurt jostling for position to get near the image. “Sa deboto natin na hindi masyadong maganda ang kalusugan huwag tayong sumabak, baka may di magandang mangyari sa atin. Alam natin every year nagkakaroon ng injuries at inaatake at hinihimatay dahil sa dami ng tao (To devotees who are not in the best of health, don’t force yourselves lest you get hurt. Every year there have been injuries and cases of heart attacks or dizzy spells because of the big crowds)," she said. Meanwhile, she advised devotees not to bring valuables to the procession as criminals are likely to try to exploit the situation. She said police are posted at strategic places along the procession route to ensure devotees’ safety. “Maging maingat tayo at alagaan ang kalusugan (Let’s just be careful and watch our health)," she said. — TJD, GMANews.TV