MANILA, Philippines — EcoWaste Coalition on Friday lamented the littering in popular pilgrimage sites all over the country, which the environmental watchdog said has become a “tradition” during Holy Week.

“We regret that our appeal for a garbage-free Holy Week remains unheeded as many devotees, without any sense of guilt or shame, left their discards anywhere,” Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator, said.

According to the group’s Basura Patrollers, littering was widespread at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Shrine in San Jose Del Monte City, National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Marilao, and Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Cathedral in Antipolo City.

Improvised sleeping materials, plastic bags, food packaging, food leftovers and plastic bottles were among the most littered items in the said pilgrimage sites.

“It’s apparent that many devotees have yet to appreciate the connection between the expression of our faith and our responsibility to take good care of our shared environment. Environmental apathy, sad to say, is still very prevalent,” Lucero said.

The EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator, moreover, called on the faithful to care for the environment as they profess and practice their faith.

“In fact, faith-inspired efforts should set a higher benchmark with respect to the responsible use and protection of the earth’s resources,” Lucero said.

She added: “Let us be reminded by what our bishops have said: ‘We are not owners of the earth. We are its stewards, to keep and cherish and nurture its resource not only for ourselves but for our future generations.”