ILOILO City – With garbage once again littering major festival venues after Dinagyang tribes’ “blocking” (rehearsal) activities, the city government has renewed its call for discipline among spectators, warning that continued littering undermines sanitation efforts and Iloilo City’s image as a premier festival destination.
The General Services Office (GSO) said trash accumulated around the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand and nearby roads despite the availability of waste bins and sanitation facilities, prompting officials to urge festivalgoers to take responsibility for their own waste.
Neil Ravena, GSO head, said garbage was scattered around key areas following the tribe and Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan blocking activities.
“We are once again appealing to our viewers to please throw their trash in the proper waste bins,” Ravena said. “There are trash bins placed around the judging areas and along the roads. We hope people will use them.”
Ravena stressed that preparations for waste management were in place, citing the installation of at least 20 trash bins around the Freedom Grandstand alone.
“There are 20 waste bins around the Freedom Grandstand, so there should be no reason for trash to be left on top of the grandstand or just anywhere,” he said. “We really ask for everyone’s cooperation.”
He added that public sanitation facilities were also made available throughout the event.
“All comfort rooms and portalets were opened and available 24 hours a day for the convenience of the public,” Ravena said.
Despite these measures, Ravena noted that littering persisted, particularly as blocking activities stretched into the early morning hours.
“The blocking earlier today lasted until dawn,” Ravena said. “By that time, there were already no personnel on the ground to enforce the Anti-Littering Ordinance.”
Ravena emphasized that cleanliness during Dinagyang is a shared responsibility between the city government and the public, especially with thousands of spectators converging on viewing areas.
“We are doing our part by providing trash bins and facilities,” he said. “We are hoping that viewers will also do their part by being disciplined and mindful of their waste.”
He added that keeping the city clean during major events reflects well on Iloilo City, particularly for local and foreign visitors attending its flagship festivals./PN
