Truckloads of garbage hauled from Luneta Park after Christmas

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) — Monsoon rains stopped in time for Christmas Day on Tuesday, but Luneta Park in Manila City still got flooded following the holiday celebration—not with rain water, but piles of trash.

At least 12 trucks of garbage, mostly plastics and mats used by families that spent the Christmas in the park, were collected from the area from Tuesday to Wednesday, Task Force Manila Cleanup Head Che Borromeo said.

According to media reports, police estimated 5,000 people flocked Luneta on Tuesday. The park is among the popular destinations in Manila during holidays.

In light of the event, Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada reminded the public to be responsible in disposing garbage to maintain the "beauty of the city."

The National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) assured it is "mobilizing its personnel" to clump together the garbage park goers left at the park.

Cleaning the area "would take several days," but the agency said "it is all worth the joy and happiness that our countrymen experienced with their loved ones and friends at the park."

The NPDC called on the public to "practice 'Clean As You Go'" and dispose trash properly when visiting public spaces, as the agency invited Filipinos to come to Luneta again for the annual New Year countdown.

Reactions

Environmental group Ecowaste Coalition expressed its dismay, saying the trash reflects the park goers' disrespect towards the environment and other people.

The group urged Filipinos to protect public spaces the same way they maintain the cleanliness of their homes.

"Kung paano nating pinapanatiling maayos, ligtas at maaliwalas ang ating mga tahanan, gayundin sana ang pagtrato natin sa ating kapaligiran," it said in a statement posted on Facebook.

[Translation: We should treat the environment the way we keep our houses clean and safe.]

Netizens are also furious over the mess. Here are some of their reaction: