Luneta Park in Manila was littered with trash after the Christmas celebrations as seen on photos and video clips that have gone viral on social media.
EcoWaste Coalition criticized Filipinos’ habit of littering when they visit parks despite laws that prohibit it.
Many Filipinos made it a tradition to spend Christmas Eve at the large historical park every year. They, however, also always leave it with litter scattered all over the place.
According to the Metro Manila Development Authority, a total of 13.7 tons or four trucks of waste were collected.
The group expressed its dismay at the lack of discipline of Filipinos, saying how it has not changed over the years.
It appealed anew to respect the cleanliness of the tourist spots in the country, aside from Rizal Park.
“Kung paano nating pinapanatiling maayos, ligtas at maaliwalas ang ating mga tahanan, gayundin sana ang pagtrato natin sa ating kapaligiran,” it added.
The Department of Tourism also appealed to the public to maintain the cleanliness of Rizal Park and its facilities.
“We would like to remind everyone that preserving our country’s destinations is also the duty of its citizens. Let us be responsible tourists by throwing our trash in the proper trash bins,” it said.
It added that cooperation among Filipinos is expected this coming New Year celebration.
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada also issued the same statement.
Aside from parks in the region, some public spaces in the provinces were also filled with trash after the festivities.
Keep parks clean
Littering or the improper throwing of garbage is prohibited and punishable by law.
Section 48 of Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act prohibits “littering, throwing, dumping of waste matters in public places, such as roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros or parks, and establishment, or causing or permitting the same.”
A person violating this provision shall be charged with a fine of not less than P300,000 but more than P1,000. He or she should also render at least one day of community service or not more than 15 days of service to the local government.
The same actions are also prohibited under the Anti-Littering Law or the MMDA Regulation No. 96-009.
Here, it is specified that even “urinating, defecating, spitting in a public place” and “spilling, scattering, littering of wastes by public utility vehicles” are strictly illegal.
Fines range from P500 to P1,000 while the hours of community service to be rendered range from eight hours to two days.