TO ensure peace and order while preventing bottlenecks in major thoroughfares during the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, Manila Mayor Joseph E. Estrada has decided to suspend classes and work in city government offices on January 9.
In his Executive Order (EO) 01, Estrada said the cancellation has been recommended for “public order, safety and convenience and to reduce traffic congestion during the occasion.”
The postponement of classes during the day of the festivity is effective for all levels in all universities, colleges and schools within the locality, according to the official memorandum.
On the other hand, work stoppage is across all departments, offices and bureaus in the city government of Manila.
However, those engaged in the maintenance of peace and order, traffic enforcement, disaster and risk-reduction management, health and sanitation are not covered by the order.
While the suspension of work in city government offices is within the power of Estrada being the local chief executive, he can only encourage the national public and private offices in Manila to exercise prudence and sound discretion in suspending work for the safety and welfare of their employees and personnel.
The decision is still left to their heads of office or management, the EO further stated.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims nationwide come to Manila to join the procession of the Black Nazarene.
For this year, millions are expected to join the celebration, whether to participate onsite in the traditional Traslación, hear Mass at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or offsite while tuning in to the live coverage of the feast on radio or television.
Per the lineup of activities posted on the official Facebook page of Quiapo Church, there will be a replica procession on January 7 starting at 1:30 p.m.
A Eucharistic Celebration at Quirino Grandstand will be held on January 9 at midnight.
The Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Hernando Coronel, while Archbishop of Manila Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle will give the homily.
After the morning prayer at 5 a.m. on the same day, the Traslación will begin from Luneta to Quiapo Church.
The statue of the Black Nazarene was carved by an unknown Mexican from a dark wood in the 16th century in Mexico, and then transported to the Philippines in 1606 by Augustinian priests.
It is believed that the icon’s dark color was caused by a partial burn it got from a fire that happened in the galleon carrying it.
Housed in several churches near Manila in the early decades, it finally arrived in Quiapo Church in 1787, where it has been enshrined ever since.
The Supreme Court (SC) also announced that work in all courts in Manila will be suspended on January 9.
In an advisory released on Thursday, the SC Public Information Office (PIO) said work in the High Court, Court of Appeals (CA) and trial courts in Manila would be suspended due to the expected “difficulty of travel to and from the courts in the city of Manila due to the annual procession of the Black Nazarene.”
“The executive judges in Manila trial courts and frontline offices in SC and CA are to maintain skeletal work forces,” the SC PIO announced.
Organizers of the feast are anticipating that this year’s crowd would surpass the 18 million people that joined the celebration.
With Joel R. San Juan
Image credits: Nonie Reyes