DPS: “Cleaner Sinulog 2024” despite huge volume of trash

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Public Services (DPS) has agreed with the observation of City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) that this year’s Sinulog celebration was “cleaner” compared to last year’s Sinulog albeit there more garbage have been this time.

DPS head Engr. John Paul Gelasque said they have collected about 202.3 tons of garbage last Sunday from the Sinulog venue at the South Road Properties (SRP) and other parts of the city, including the downtown.

Gelasque said there were more garbage noted around the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, Plaza Independencia, Gen. Maxilom Avenue, and Colon Street than the SRP.

He also noted that the total volume of garbage collected this year is bigger than the 181.4 tons collected last year. Gelasque said this is understandable given the crowd joining the celebration this year.

The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) estimated the number of Sinulog revelers last Sunday at 3 million.

Despite the large volume of garbage they have collected, Gelasque still believes that this year’s Sinulog was “cleaner” than the last time.

“Sa comparison sa last year namo, mas daghan siya og basura ron pero mas limpyo ang atoang Sinulog compare sa last year… kay ngano man? Tungod sa atoang massive information drive, ‘Inyong Basura dili Magpataka og Labay’,” Gelasque said.

The "eco-stations" the city government, thru CCENRO, DPS, CESET and other concerned departments, put up in different strategic locations also helped a lot.

Garbage bins for recyclables and non-recyclables were provided by the city government. There were also personnel assigned to educate the public to dispose of their garbage properly.

“Ang SRP dili kaayo baga og basura, daghan lang siya’g volume pero naa na siya ang basura sa black plastic bag. The people are informed nga naa ta aning mga butanga…Naa sab tay garbage bins, although dili kaayo daghan, pero dako siya’g natabang nga ang tawo naay kalabayan,” Gelasque added.

Gelasque said, among the areas they cleaned up after the celebration, the Juana Osmeña Street was the most problematic. In fact, it took them more time to clear.

The DPS had to ask assistance from the police before they could start cleaning up because of the presence of a lot of revelers in the area, mostly drunk despite the liquor ban ordered by Mayor Michael Rama.

“Sige ko og ingon ni ma’am (Cebu City Police Office Deputy Director Janette) Rafter nga ma’am tabangi mi, kanang sa atoang PROBE pud. Total team effort- PROBE team, pulis, CCENRO naay mga participation,” Gelasque said. — (FREEMAN)