DILG, Quiapo Church commend Manila LGU for Traslacion preparations

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos, Jr. and Quiapo Church parish priest Fr. Jun Sescon commended the efforts of the Manila local government under Mayor Honey Lacuna for the thorough preparations made for the conduct of the ”Traslacion” slated on Jan. 9.

The pronouncements were made during the walk-through inspection in Quiapo jointly held by Abalos, Lacuna, Sescon, the Philippine National Police (PNP) headed by Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr., National Capital Region Office led by Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. and Manila Police District (MPD) Director Arnold Thomas Ibay.

Sescon expressed satisfaction over the way the local government handled the “Pahalik” which was conducted in a very peaceful and orderly manner.

The Traslacion will be held for the first time after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Abalos announced that a signal jam will be implemented during the event.

Abalos also thanked the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), for the crucial roles they will play on the day of the Traslacion.

The mayor reiterated to the devotees to wear face masks, which the local government will provide to the churchgoers the moment they pass through the installed X-ray machine leading to the Quiapo Church.

According to the MPD, 750 devotees can enter the Quiapo Church, while 3,000 may stay on the sides and in front of the church to watch the Mass from the three LED monitor screens installed at Quezon Boulevard.

Devotees joining the Black Nazarene feast activities in Quiapo Church and Quirino Grandstand reached 400,000 already as of Monday, Jan. 8, police said.

Devotees are urged to heed the advice of authorities on the do’s and don’t’s during the Traslacion.

Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/7/traslacion-2024-official-do-s-and-don-ts

She also called on those who have physical incapacities, including pregnant women, to avoid joining the procession as this may only pose harm to them.

Bringing children is also discouraged.

She said those who are advised against participating, may still see the image as it passes by, from a safe distance.

The mayor added that a field hospital was also put up by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) headed by Arnel Angeles at the Bonifacio Shrine where minor casualties may be rushed and given first aid.

Meanwhile, personnel of the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), together with Meralco, conducted cable bundling operations along the Traslacion route on Monday.

The purpose of the operation is to prevent the Nazarene image from being blocked by hanging cable wires.