Tons of trash after 'traslacion'

MANILA – Tons of trash were collected by street sweepers after the annual procession of the image of the Black Nazarene. The Metro Parkways Cleaning Group of the Metro Manila Development Authority started cleaning up the streets early morning on Thursday as the devotees moved from Quirino Grandstand. According to Francisco Martinez of the Metro Parkways Cleaning Group, 350 street sweepers were deployed for the clearing of the streets that were included in the route of the traslacion. Martinez said MMDA chairman Francisco Tolentino instructed them to follow the "andas" carrying the statue of the Black Nazarene until the procession ends. The garbage they have collected consisted mostly of plastic, styrofoam cups and plates, candy wrappers, and banana peels. - Umagang Kay Ganda, 10 January 2014