WITH its city known as "Green City," the Diocese of Pasig is urging its faithful to make their Holy Week observance eco-friendly.
In a social media post, the Pasig Diocese Ministry of Ecology issued 13 tips that will help make their Holy Week observance not harmful to the environment.
The Diocese of Pasig said one way to do so is to help cut emissions by taking public transport, biking or walking for the Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday.
It said the faithful may also use recycled materials for the makeshift huts for the traditional Pabasa or the Reading of the Passion of Christ.
The Diocese also called for a litter-free pilgrimages to the churches and shrines.
It said that a "green" Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) may also be done by collecting litter along the way.
The faithful are also urged to decorate the floats for the Santo Entierro (Holy Interment) on Good Friday with energy-efficient and mercury-free LED lamps and with locally produced flowers and plants.
It said welcoming the Risen Christ on Easter Sunday may also be held without lighting firecrackers and fireworks and without releasing balloons.
The public is also advised to keep Easter fun games and activities for kids simple and not wasteful.
It said the faithful must also abandon acts that defile and pollute the environment such as littering, dumping, and burning of discards.
The diocese said all activities must also be kept lead-safe by shunning candles with lead-cored wicks and paints with lead content.
The faithful is also called to donate used clothes and other items of service to the Segunda Mana charity program of Caritas Manila.
For the traditional giving or sharing of food called Caridad, it said the faithful may shun disposable paper or plastic and opt for reusable containers.
For those going out of the city for their summer vacation, they are encouraged to make their trip plastic-free and trash-free.
The Pasig diocese said the faithful may also opt for a quiet down "staycation" at home for a meaningful bonding time with family members during the Holy Week.
Next week, Filipinos are set to observe the Holy Week, which is the most sacred week in the liturgical year in Christianity with Catholics expected to pray, do penance and reflect.
Among the traditional activities during the Holy Week are the Visita Iglesia, Via Crucis, Santo Entierro, Pabasa and Salubong.
Pasig City, which is under the Diocese of Pasig, is known as the "Green City" for having progressive environmental policies. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)