The EcoWaste Coalition this week called for a plastic-free Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

Ahead of the festival, residents of Barangay Tejero in Cebu City organized a two-hour street dancing parade with the theme “Sinulog sa Kabatan-onan Alang sa Kinaiyahan” (Sinulog of the Youth for the Environment).

Over 50 participants performed traditional Sinulog dances while carrying images of the Child Jesus. Some carried statement cards advocating for a “trashless” and plastic-free celebration, chanting “Viva Pit Señor!” in unison.

The street dance began at Ponce Street near Carreta Cemetery and concluded with a program at the Barangay Tejero Gymnasium.

During the program, barangay captain Harold Seno reminded tourists and residents to keep streets and plazas litter-free during the celebration.

“Sinulog attracts millions of people from Cebu and beyond, generating tons of garbage, especially single-use plastics and food waste. We join the EcoWaste Coalition in reminding everyone to help keep our streets and plazas litter-free,” Seno emphasized.

EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero highlighted the shared responsibility of residents and visitors in protecting the environment.

“Sinulog is a celebration of faith and culture, and it reminds us of our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation to protect the environment. Zero waste is not just a hollow buzzword — it’s a lifestyle change that we must adopt to combat plastic pollution and preserve our planet for future generations,” Lucero said.

In August 2024, Acting Department of Public Services (DPS) head John Paul Gelasque reported resistance among residents to Cebu City’s “no segregation, no collection” policy. DPS personnel continue to collect improperly segregated waste.

The DPS spent P199,423,813.50 on hauling and tipping fees for the first half of 2024.