Don’t be a litterbug, Rizal Park spokesperson asks New Year’s Eve revelers
BECAUSE of the huge amount of garbage left behind by revelers who spent Dec. 25 in Rizal Park, the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) has asked the public to avoid doing the same on New Year’s Eve.
“Our sweepers and garbage collectors on Thursday cleaned up tons of garbage left by people who celebrated Christmas Day at the park,” NPDC spokesperson Montegrande said yesterday.
He noted that not everyone disposed of their trash properly despite his repeated appeals for the public to help the NPDC maintain the park’s cleanliness.
For those intending to celebrate the coming of theNewYear in Rizal Park, Montegrande urged them not to litter and to use the garbage bins provided by theNPDC.
The agency has scheduled a countdown to 2014 and a fireworks display at the park today aside from a free concert featuring the country’s top bands.
Montegrande, meanwhile, assured the public that there would be enough security personnel and police officers deployed to the park to maintain a “zero crime rate” record as in previous years.
Based on the NPDC’s records, more than amillion people visited the park on Christmas Day, an indication that it has become a favorite place for families and friends to mark special occasions.
Montegrande said the high attendance could be attributed to the continuous improvements being done at Rizal Park and the different activities available to promenaders.
He encouraged everyone to celebrate a simple and meaningful New Year’s Eve at the park instead of buying fireworks or spending too much money on food.
“We can also celebrate the New Year without forgetting the sad plight of our countrymen who lost life and limbs when Supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’ slammed Eastern Visayas. We are one with them in commemorating their lost loved ones,” he said.