a garbage-free fiesta, the EcoWaste Coalition is now begging politicians not to
plaster Plaza Miranda and the processional route with tarpaulins.
“It’s very tempting for politicians eyeing the 2013 polls to use the occasion
to sell themselves through ‘happy fiesta’ tarpaulin banners. We appeal to their
sense of propriety and defy such a temptation. ‘Tarpaulitics’ has no place in
an event whose only focus, should and must be, the Black Nazarene,”said Edwin
Alejo, Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.
‘Tarpaulitics’ pertains to the brazen use of tarpaulins to advertise the faces
and names of politicians or political wannabes for the purpose of establishing
familiarity and support among the electorate, the EcoWaste Coalition said.
“We ask politicos from all the contending factions not to ‘tarpaulinize’ what
should be a celebration of unity in faith,” Alejo added.
Propaganda tarpaulins, according to the EcoWaste Coalition, only add to the
enormous fiesta clutter and trash that will have to be managed or disposed of
sooner or later.
“Tarpaulins do not lead to a ‘happy fiesta.’ In fact, tarpaulins are a nuisance
that can confuse the spiritual message of unity, block the public view of the
procession, harm the trees and muddle up the bridges, electric cables, lamp
posts and structures where the tarps are usually fastened or hanged,” he said.
Instead of spending for worthless tarpaulins, the EcoWaste Coalition proposes
to well-meaning politicians to divert funds meant for printing and putting up
tarpaulins to:
– provide devotees with free meals in biodegradable or reusable packaging
– pay for extra personnel needed to help in sweeping the Quiapo district clean
– provide for waste segregation bins
or sacks in appropriate spots, as well as pay for volunteers who will look
after the bins
enforcers to catch and fine litterbugs
Politicians can also help in the post-fiesta cleanup of littered streets and in
the removal of unsightly banners and buntings in the area, the EcoWaste
Coalition added.
-end-