Sinulog-Inspired Parade Calls for a Plastic Free Celebration

16 January 2025, Cebu City. The EcoWaste Coalition, in partnership with Sanlakas Cebu and Barangay Tejero, Cebu City, hosted a Sinulog-inspired activity today to celebrate the Zero Waste Month and call for a plastic free celebration of the popular Sinulog Festival.

With the theme “Sinulog sa Kabatan-onan Alang sa Kinaiyahan” (Sinulog of the Youth for the Environment), the event featured a two-hour street dancing parade with approximately 50 Barangay Tejero residents.

The joyful parade in honor of the Child Jesus and Mother Earth kicked off at Ponce Street near Carreta Cemetery and ended with a program at Barangay Tejero Gymnasium.

As they performed the Sinulog dance moves, some of the youthful participants held images of Santo Nino, while others held banners and placards bearing timely messages advocating for trashless and plastic-free festivities as they shouted "Viva Pit Senor."

Speaking during the program, Barangay Tejero Captain Harold Seno, expressed
the significance of the activity.  "Sinulog attracts millions of people from within Cebu and afar and it can generate tons upon tons of garbage, especially single-use plastic and food waste.  We are one with the EcoWaste Coalition in reminding residents and visitors to join hands in keeping our streets and plazas litter-free."

EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero echoed this sentiment,
emphasizing the role of cultural events in promoting environmental care and sustainability. “Sinulog is a celebration of faith and culture, and this activity brings a timely reminder that we, as stewards of God's creation, have the responsibility to protect the environment. Zero waste is not just a hollow buzzword — it’s a lifestyle change that we must adopt together to combat plastic pollution and preserve our planet for ourselves and the future generations.”

Sanlakas Cebu, a key partner in the event, called for collective action, particularly at the grassroots level, to address the pressing issue of waste. “Through our Sinulog-inspired action, we hope to call attention to the mounting garbage problem facing the people of Cebu and the need for a concerted response to push for ecological solutions that will uphold our human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment," said Victor Sumampong, a representative from Sanlakas Cebu.

The culmination program also featured messages from representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local civil society organizations (CSOs) who underscored the importance of implementing Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

The “Sinulog sa Kabatan-onan Alang sa Kinaiyahan” forms part of EcoWaste Coalition’s continuing efforts to promote zero waste practices across communities, working alongside government agencies, the barangays, and local organizations to achieve a cleaner and more sustainable Philippines.