This report is a bit delayed but we learned a lot from the experience, so I decided to write it out anyway.

The Philippines was visited by Pope Francis from January 15-19, 2015 as part of his State and Apostolic Visit in two countries of Asia.  While on the plane from Sri Lanka to the Philippines,  he responded to questions from reporters about climate change.  The Pope said: "I don't know if it is all (man?s fault) but the majority is, for the most part, it is man who continuously slaps down nature."  He also said: "I think man has gone too far.  Thank God that today there are voices that are speaking out about this."

The Philippines prepared for the coming of the Pope.  One of the important preparations was gentle reminders for a trash free Papal visit since millions of people were expected to attend the events in two main cities of the country.

There were campaigns on television and on social media promoting ways to protect the environment.  Some suggestions were:

• Avoid eating at the venue.
• If necessary, bring waste-free meals in reusable containers.
• Bring water in jugs instead of buying bottled beverages.
• Bring extra trash bags in one?s pocket.
• Do not litter on the grounds. Look for bins to throw trash in.

The biggest event was the Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Francis on Sunday, January 18 at the Quirino Grandstand (Luneta Park).  More than six million people attended the event with people coming early in the morning for the 3pm Mass. 

Sad to say, inspite of the reminders, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported collecting 23 truckloads  or 138 tons of trash right after the Mass.   According to the MMDA Metroparkway Clearing Group, the trash collected included raincoats left by the crowds, food containers, fruit discards, leftover food, plastic bags, candy wrappers and plastic water bottles.

In all, the MMDA deployed 600 street cleaners for the Papal visit which lasted five days.  The strategy of the the MMDA was to immediately clean the streets as soon as a motorcade passed or an event was concluded. 

It seems the gentle reminders didn't work as much as expected. But the MMDA did a good job of making sure the trash was not left out on the grounds to get washed into the waterways and sewers.