Every year on All Saints’ Day (Nov 1), throngs of Filipinos flock to cemeteries to visit and pay respected to loved ones who have gone before them.
And we Filipinos know this supposedly peaceful day is often marred by horrendous traffic, littering, and getting lost in a sea of people.
This year, the newly appointed secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has a few reminders for a more stress-free and cleaner All Saints’ Day.
In a statement released on Fri, Oct 28, and published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Lopez urged everyone to practice environmental responsibility during Undas (All Saints’ Day).
“Beyond flowers and candles that punctuate our beautiful tradition of Undas, this occasion demands that we also practice environmental responsibility in honoring the memory of our dearly departed,” Lopez said.
She adds, “Our dearly departed deserve our prayers and respect, not trash. Let us honor them by keeping their resting place garbage-free.”
Lopez also encouraged everyone to segregate their trash and use public transportation — or even bikes, if possible — when going to cemeteries to lessen the traffic.
