Tondo Parish Lauded for Its Environmental Advocacy
27 January 2025, Quezon City. The EcoWaste Coalition, an advocate for a zero waste and toxics-free society, gave the San Pablo Apostol Parish in Tondo, Manila double thumbs up for its environmental advocacy, particularly in connection with its recently concluded Espada Festival.
“We recognize the San Pablo Apostol Parish for its laudable efforts to integrate environmental awareness and action during the 16th Espada Festival,” said Angelita Aguilos, Membership and Partnership Officer, EcoWaste Coalition. “We are honored to collaborate with the designated Jubilee Church for Ecology as it responds to the cry of the poor and Mother Earth.”
On January 25 to 26, the parish, which is under the pastoral care of the Canossian Sons of Charity, marked the “Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pagbabagong Buhay ni San Pablo Apostol” in honor of its patron, Saint Paul the Apostle. Rev. Fr. Reynaldo Daguitera, FdCC serves as the parish priest.
As the Jubilee Church for Ecology, the parish through Rev. Fr. Brian Bahian, FdCC sought the guidance of the EcoWaste Coalition on how ecological solid waste management can be better implemented within its area of jurisdiction.
Prior to the Espada Festival, the EcoWaste Coalition facilitated a meeting to orient the organizers and other concerned parishioners on ecological solid waste management and to offer practical tips on how to raise awareness and support towards preventing and reducing waste during the festivities, which included Eucharistic Masses, processions, community parade, dance showdown and a game for kids.
During the community parade last Saturday, some participants were seen holding placards with timely ecological reminders such as “huwag aksayahin kung pwede pang gamitin,” “basura mo, bitbit mo,” “think before you throw,” “reduce fiesta garbage,” and “go for zero waste.”
The San Pablo Apostol Parish is a thriving community consisting of 16 barangays in Tondo with an estimated population of some 100,000 predominantly Catholic families living along the national and city roads R-10, Capulong, Pritil, Velasquez and Vitas.
Last January 11, the San Pablo Apostol Parish was inaugurated as the Jubilee Church for Ecology, proclaiming the mission of caring for our common home and journeying with hope towards Jubilee Year 2025. (PR)
