In view of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, holiday will be observed in Manila on January 9, 2023.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna stated this in an Executive Order, which also spsneded work and classes in both private and public establishments and schools.
The mayor said this is to allow the devotees to participate in the activities scheduled for the said occasion, as she also called on motorists to be wary of the road closures that will be implemented from January 6 to 9, 2023.
The mayor’s spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante said that on January 6 to 9, beginning at 10 p.m. onward, the following roads will be closed to traffic: Independence Road, Katigbak Drive, South Drive and Roxas Boulevard, (northbound and southbound, from Katigbak Drive to South Drive).
From January 7 to 9, from 7 p.m. onward, :Quezon Boulevard (Northbound and Southbound from A. Mendoza/Fugoso to Quezon Bridge, straight to Padre Burgos Park ‘n Ride); España Blvd Westbound and Eastbound (from P. Campa to A. Mendoza); Evangelista St. (from Plaza San Juan to Recto Ave; Raon St. (G. Puyat) (from Evangelista to Quezon Blvd.); P. Paterno St. (from Quezon Blvd. to Evangelista); Carriedo St. (from Rizal Ave. to Plaza San Juan); C. Palanca St. (from McArthur Bridge to Quiapo Ilalim/Quinta Market straight to P. Casal); Bustos St. (from Plaza Sta. Cruz to Rizal Ave); Northbound lane of Rizal Avenue (from Carriedo to Recto Ave); Northbound lane of McArthur Bridge; Eastbound and Westbound lane of Recto Ave (from Rizal Ave to Nicanor Reyes St) and Nicanor Reyes St. (from España Blvd to Recto Ave).
Abante said the public is advised to take alternative routes to point of destination as indicated.
A mass was celebrated at the Manila City Hall on Tuesday afternoon where the image of the Black Nazarene arrived and was welcomed by Lacuna herself and tourism department chief Charlie Dungo, along with the mayor’s parents, former Manila Vice Mayor Danny Lacuna and wife Inday, after which the mayor announced that a liquor ban will be implemented from January 7 to 9.
Lacuna said she is confident that Manila Police District (MPD) Director, PBGen. Andre Dizon, will efficiently keep the peace and order during the slated ‘Walk of Faith’ which will be held in lieu of the traditional procession or ‘Traslacion’ along with the eucharistic in-person celebrations on January 9 itself.
Dizon announced that 5,000 policemen will be deployed on the feast date to ensure peace and order during the observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, with a call for the devotees to avoid bringing children and wearing of jewelry when they attend the events which are expected to be crowded. (JERRY S. TAN)
