As the Black Nazarene Traslacion approaches, Director George F. Keyser of the Office of Civil Defense – National Capital Region (OCD-NCR) has reaffirmed the commitment to safety and organization during the highly anticipated event set for January 9, 2025.
Through his recent visit to key sites including the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the Kartilya ng Katipunan (Regional Incident Management Team Incident Command Post), the Quiapo Multi-Agency Command Center (MACC), and the Quirino Grandstand, Keyser ensured that all preparations are in place for the event.
Today’s monitoring of activities related to the Feast of the Nazarene includes several significant engagements. Director Keyser observed the setup of facilities for the Incident Management Team, including the Incident Command Post, Camp, and Field Hospital 1. He also participated in the traditional “Pahalik” ceremony at the Quirino Grandstand, emphasizing the cultural and religious importance of the event.
The Metropolitan Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) recently held a Response Cluster Meeting via Zoom, which focused on implementing comprehensive emergency preparedness measures. Representatives from various agencies, including the Office of Civil Defense-National Capital Region, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and others, gathered to discuss crucial strategies for the Traslacion.
OCD-NCR outlined extensive plans established by Quiapo Parish Officials and the Manila Local Government Unit, which include deployment strategies for the Incident Management Team, road closures, designated evacuation centers, and robust contingency plans in case of emergencies.
A critical aspect of the preparations is the establishment of a Virtual Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This initiative aims to facilitate real-time communication and swift coordination among response clusters and local government units, ensuring that information flows efficiently across all agencies involved.
In addition to these measures, the Manila Police District has announced a cell signal interruption starting at 4 AM on January 9, lasting until the Andas reaches Quiapo Church. A no-sail zone will also be enforced from January 5 to January 10, 2025, alongside a ban on private drone flights during this period.
The meeting concluded with agreements on several key actions: OCD-NCR will share updates on the Regional Incident Management Team’s organizational structure and resource commitments, while the Virtual EOC will remain operational until January 10, 2025. Furthermore, DILG-NCR will collaborate with DSWD-NCR and MPD for the potential deployment of Starlink technology to enhance communication capabilities during the event.
With these extensive preparations and the active involvement of Director George Keyser, various agencies demonstrate their commitment to ensuring a safe and well-coordinated Black Nazarene Traslacion, reflecting a united front in managing one of the Philippines’ most significant religious events.
