Every year, millions of Filipinos take part in Bisita Iglesia, a tradition that combines faith and travel. This year, it's not just about visiting churches but also about testing the country's transport systems, energy use, and urban design. The pilgrimage has evolved into a highly mobile phenomenon, with whole communities traveling by bus to visit multiple parishes in a single day.
As a result, Bisita Iglesia has become an excuse to become tourists, with families plotting routes and fuel stations seeing increased demand. In urban centers like Manila, Cebu, and emerging corridors in Laguna and Cavite, Holy Week mobility patterns resemble micro-holidays, with short-distance trips multiplying inefficiently.
The reliance on internal combustion engine vehicles reinforces dependence on imported fuel, making the issue of global oil volatility more acute. From a clean transport perspective, Bisita Iglesia is a snapshot of both the Philippines' cultural resilience and its infrastructure gaps.
However, there are those who have found alternative ways to celebrate Holy Week without compromising their faith or the environment.
One such individual is Vss PH, a Toyota executive who walked 20 kilometers to visit his churches. This may seem like a small step, but it's about saving 1 liter of gas for the nation, which translates to Pesos 100,000 when multiplied by 1,000 pilgrims.
Another example is Joseph Bautista, a travel writer and vlogger who used the Manila Light Rail Transit System as the backbone of his route. He mapped a seven-church pilgrimage beginning at Baclaran Church and moving through Pasay, Quiapo, Tayuman, and into Quezon City.
By using public transportation, Bautista was able to reduce his carbon footprint and minimize fuel consumption. His approach emphasizes that what matters is not how you get there but the intention behind the journey – the visitation of churches and the celebration of faith.
A parallel shift is emerging in private mobility, with first-time EV drivers like James Don David taking up the challenge. He undertook his pilgrimage in a newly purchased electric vehicle, which reduced his carbon emissions significantly compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars.
As the Philippines continues to navigate its energy transition, Bisita Iglesia has become an unintentional stress test of the country's transport systems and urban design. However, with innovative approaches like these, it's clear that there are cleaner ways to celebrate Holy Week while still honoring one's faith.
