Devotion or Disregard? EcoWaste Coalition Highlights the Mess Left Behind at Holy Week Pilgrimage Sites

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

While millions of Filipinos walked with solemn faith through traditional Holy Week pilgrimages, another path unfolded—one littered with plastic bottles, food containers, and discarded devotional items. In a dramatic juxtaposition of spiritual devotion and environmental neglect, the EcoWaste Coalition sounded the alarm on the growing trail of trash left behind by pilgrims who forgot that cleanliness is next to godliness.

This year's Maundy Thursday and Good Friday observances once again drew multitudes to sacred sites across the country. However, not all left behind footprints of reverence. The EcoWaste Coalition, the country’s leading waste and pollution watchdog, released a sobering report after monitoring several key pilgrimage destinations. The contrast was stark: while some churches and shrines radiated not only spiritual but also environmental purity, others bore the unsightly remnants of human negligence.

Shrines of Devotion, Scenes of Degradation

In Antipolo City, the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, more popularly known as the Antipolo Cathedral, witnessed a slight improvement in cleanliness compared to previous years. But even in this progress, the early morning of Good Friday revealed a disheartening sight—discarded religious flyers, plastic bottles, fast food containers, and even makeshift bedding such as plastic sheets and boxes, abandoned by exhausted pilgrims.

The streets leading to the cathedral, particularly Ortigas Avenue Extension, told a similar story: strewn with single-use plastics, the pathway mirrored the chaos of post-festival waste rather than the solemnity of spiritual reflection.

The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan, fared no better. Overflowing trash bins, picnic tables cluttered with used plastic bottles and paper bowls, and plastic candle wrappers littering the Stations of the Cross painted a heartbreaking picture. Even the sacred hill depicting the crucifixion of Christ was not spared—its holy ground blanketed in garbage.

Other pilgrimage sites that suffered a similar fate included:

The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Manila,

The National Shrine and Parish of the Divine Mercy in Marilao, Bulacan,

And the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Grace in Caloocan City.

Sanctuaries of Cleanliness: A Glimpse of What Could Be

Yet, amid the mess, there was hope. Several pilgrimage sites stood tall as shining examples of environmental discipline and community cooperation.

In the Archdiocese of Manila, the following Jubilee Churches were commended for their litter-free sanctuaries:

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar

Minor Basilica of San Sebastian

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Abandoned

National Shrine of the Sacred Heart

Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto

Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Guia

Saint John Bosco Parish

San Ildefonso Parish

San Pablo Apostol Parish

Likewise, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Parañaque, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica in Quezon City, St. Gregory the Great Parish in Cavite, and the Cathedral of the Holy Child in Manila stood as bastions of spiritual and environmental integrity.

A Call for Year-Round Awareness and Action

The EcoWaste Coalition expressed deep gratitude to local government units and church authorities who took proactive steps to promote eco-friendly practices among the faithful. But gratitude alone is not enough.

“There is a glaring need to institutionalize environmental value formation—not just during Lent, but year-round,” the Coalition asserted. “We must also enforce long-existing laws like Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and elevate our practices beyond mere compliance.”

In particular, the Coalition underscored the urgent necessity to ban single-use plastics—the most common and persistent form of litter—while promoting reuse and refill systems that cut down waste at its source.

The group also gave a heartfelt salute to the silent environmental heroes of Holy Week: the street sweepers, waste workers, and informal recyclers, who bore the burden of others’ irresponsibility. Without their thankless toil, the aftermath would have been far worse.

The Real Pilgrimage: From Faith to Responsibility

As Holy Week reminds Filipinos of their spiritual journey, the EcoWaste Coalition challenges everyone to also reflect on their environmental stewardship.

“Faith is not just about prayers and penance,” the Coalition emphasized. “It is also about respect—for God’s creation, for our fellow men, and for the generations who will inherit this Earth.”

It is time for pilgrims not only to walk in faith but also to tread lightly on the earth.

Media’s Brightest at the Laurus Nobilis Awards: A Night of Truth, Talent, and Timeless Tribute

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a world increasingly shadowed by misinformation and fleeting digital noise, the 3rd Laurus Nobilis Media Excellence Awards emerged as a radiant celebration of media professionals who dare to illuminate truth, creativity, and purpose. Held last March 28 at the Lyceum of the Philippines University - Cavite in General Trias City, the event honored 21 exemplary figures whose passion continues to shape and define the Philippine media landscape.

At the heart of this prestigious gathering stood Jose Javier “Direk Joey” Reyes, Chairman and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, whose name resonates with generations of Filipino cinephiles. Reyes was conferred the Icon of Media Excellence Award, the highest distinction of the evening—an accolade befitting a visionary whose narratives have not only entertained but also educated, challenged, and inspired.

In a stirring video acceptance speech, Direk Joey issued a challenge—one that cut deeper than any script or monologue could. He urged media students to rise above the failures of previous generations, to remain steadfast in truth, and to wield their platforms with integrity amid a sea of falsehoods. “The media should be the compass pointing to honesty,” he said, a message made even more poignant in today's tumultuous information era. The award was received on his behalf by FDCP Technical Consultant for Academic Linkages, Seymour Sanchez.

But the spotlight did not rest on one luminary alone.

Elijah Canlas, lauded for his haunting performance in “Uninvited”, and the ever-versatile Candy Pangilinan, recognized for her heartfelt portrayal in “Road Trip”, were among those who took center stage to accept their Film Acting awards. The applause swelled further as Pia Arcangel and Jeff Canoy, pillars of credibility in TV news, were honored for their excellence in News Presentation.

From the airwaves to digital streams, the celebration spanned the breadth of modern media. DJ ChaCha of True FM and Johnson Manabat of Radyo 630 electrified the stage for Radio News Anchoring, while DJ Robin Sienna of Love Radio charmed audiences in the Female Radio Disk Jockeying category.

Equally moving were the messages from those who could not attend, yet whose presence lingered through videos and heartfelt words. Kara David (“I-Witness”) and Kim Atienza (“Dapat Alam Mo!”) reminded everyone of the power of public affairs in shaping civic consciousness. The entertainment sphere sparkled with the recognition of Amy Perez (“It's Showtime”) and Paolo Ballesteros (“Drag Race Philippines”), celebrated for their dynamic show hosting. Rising digital stars like Lenie Aycardo and Hajie Alejandro were also recognized for Online Content Creation, proving that impactful storytelling knows no medium.

Youthful energy filled the auditorium as Mary Grace Arroyo-Vasquez, Communication Program Chair of LPU Cavite, spoke with heartfelt admiration: “These awardees are not just media icons; they are architects of empowerment. Through stories, music, and films, they build bridges of understanding, spark social dialogues, and shape a future driven by truth and creativity.”

This year’s theme, “Luminaries in Media: Beacon of Youth Empowerment,” was more than a slogan—it was a call to action. Orchestrated with passion and precision by LPU Cavite’s senior Communication students, the event served as a powerful convergence of legacy and leadership, inspiration and innovation.

As the curtain fell and flashbulbs faded, one truth remained clear—media, when wielded with purpose and principle, becomes more than just a mirror to society. It becomes a torch, lighting the path forward for generations to come.

And from the voice of Wazzup Pilipinas to the ears of every aspiring changemaker: may we always honor those who dare to speak truth, shape culture, and ignite transformation through the power of media.

Where Do You Stand? Green Groups Challenge Senate Bets to Show Their True Colors on Earth Day

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As the world pauses to honor Earth Day, the call for environmental justice resounds louder than ever in the Philippines. In a powerful and timely move, leading environmental health and justice advocates are demanding transparency and accountability from those seeking the Senate’s prestigious seats in the upcoming midterm elections.

The EcoWaste Coalition, joined by a formidable alliance of green organizations, has thrown down the gauntlet with a bold question to every senatorial hopeful: “Where do you stand on the environment?”

Voters Deserve to Know

Citizens have the undeniable right to elect leaders who will defend their right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. That’s the cornerstone of the Green Electoral Initiative (GEI)—a groundbreaking campaign that goes beyond political personalities and party colors. It seeks answers, not promises. Action, not lip service.

Through a comprehensive questionnaire meticulously crafted with input from respected groups—including Greenpeace Southeast Asia, BAN Toxics, Health Care Without Harm, Break Free From Plastic, GAIA, IPEN SEA, Mother Earth Foundation, and more—senatorial candidates are being challenged to articulate their stance on the country’s most pressing ecological concerns.

A panel of experts will analyze and publicly rate the responses. Not to endorse candidates—but to empower the Filipino people with informed choices at the ballot box.

The 19 Questions That Matter

In a nation beset by climate emergencies, plastic pollution, coastal degradation, toxic trade, and fossil fuel addiction, the GEI pulls no punches. Here are the critical questions being asked—questions that go to the heart of the nation’s survival:

Will you support or reject proposals to burn garbage for energy and repeal the incineration ban?

Will you push for full implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and promote Zero Waste programs?

Will you advocate for the rights and dignity of waste workers and the informal sector?

Do you support regulating toxic political tarpaulins and advertisements that harm both people and the planet?

Will you support a nationwide ban on single-use plastics, including sachets, straws, and bags?

Do you back legislation promoting reuse and refill systems to combat plastic pollution at its source?

Will you ratify the Basel Ban Amendment to block toxic waste imports, even under the guise of recycling?

Will you support restoring and preserving mangroves and beach forests to protect coastal communities?

Will you defend municipal waters from commercial exploitation, ensuring they remain for small fisherfolk?

Do you oppose reclamation and seabed dredging that destroy marine ecosystems?

Will you lead efforts to implement a Global Framework on Chemicals for a safer, toxin-free Philippines?

Are you for or against lowering vape and tobacco taxes? Do you favor banning single-use disposable vapes?

Do you support mandatory chemical warnings on products to uphold consumers’ right to know?

Are you in favor of reviving the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant or introducing nuclear power?

Will you stand against slowing the coal phase-out in favor of cleaner alternatives?

Will you resist the expansion of the fossil gas industry?

Do you support raising the share of renewable energy in the power mix to 50% by 2030?

Will you back the CLIMA Bill (HB 9609 & 10478) to institutionalize climate justice and corporate accountability?

Will you push for protected bike lanes nationwide as part of a greener transport future?

Exposing the Green (or Dirty) Past

Candidates aren’t just asked what they will do—they’re also asked what they’ve done. The questionnaire demands the disclosure of past votes, sponsored bills, and family business interests linked to environmentally destructive projects.

This initiative is not merely about policies. It's about integrity. Will our next leaders stand with the people and the planet—or with polluters and profiteers?

A Litmus Test for Leadership

The Green Electoral Initiative could well be the ultimate test of a candidate's moral compass and legislative backbone. It separates the authentic environmental champions from the greenwashers who only talk the talk during campaign season.

This Earth Day, as we reflect on the fragile future of our archipelago, the GEI reminds us that environmental justice is not a side issue. It’s the issue. Because there can be no public health, national prosperity, or social peace on a dying planet.

And as the climate clock ticks, Filipino voters must demand more than recycled promises—they must demand real answers.