EcoWaste Coalition, FCAP Push for Pollution-Free Holy Week
Palm fronds on sale outside the Parish of the Holy Cross in Makati City, 25 March 2018.
Environmental and health groups have jointly urged the public to
make the Holy Week a litter-free and smoke-free affirmation of our vibrant
Christian faith.
Through a press release issued on Palm Sunday, the EcoWaste Coalition and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Alliance, Philippines (FCAP) told the public that preventing litter
and smoke pollution during the solemn days and beyond will do good for
human health and the environment.
“We urge the faithful not to litter as we recall the passion of Christ, atone
for past wrongs, and renew our faith through time-honored traditions and rites
during the Holy Week,” said Daniel Alejandre, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste
Coalition.
“We particularly appeal to those joining the penitential walk to Antipolo City
Dr.
Maria Encarnita Limpin, Executive Director, FCAP, appealed to smokers to
observe the Holy Week in a smoke-free atmosphere for their health and the
health of others.
“Tobacco smoke contains toxic and poisonous chemicals, including cancer-causing
substances, which can pose harm and death to both smokers and
non-smokers. By keeping the environment free of dangerous tobacco
smoke, we reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and thus reducing the risk of
heart disease, lung cancer and other smoking-related ailments,” she pointed
out.
Alejandre added “not smoking during the Holy Week will reduce the number of
cigarette butts thrown on the streets that end up in dumpsites, waterways and
the oceans and pose a toxic hazard to the environment, including aquatic
life.”
The EcoWaste Coalition and FCAP likewise appealed to law enforcers to implement
the provisions against littering under Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid
Waste Management Act) and against smoking as per Republic Act 9211 (Tobacco
Regulation Act) and Executive Order No. 26 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte
in May 2016.
“Faith-inspired activities are not exempted from abiding by our anti-littering
and anti-smoking laws and regulations that are meant to promote and uphold the
public health and safety,” the groups said.
-end-
Reference:
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2001/ra_9003_2001.html
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2003/ra_9211_2003.html
http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2017/05may/20170516-EO-26-RRD.pdf
Comments