MMDA, Manila City gov’t ready for Black Nazarene procession route

MANILA: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Manila City government conducted clearing operations to ensure the route for this year’s Black Nazarene procession in Manila will be obstruction-free.

Led by the MMDA Special Operations Group-Strike Force (SOG-SF) and Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), the operations conducted today were to ensure no obstructions will hinder the procession — known as the “Traslacion” — which will be held on January 9.

The event is expected to draw millions of participants and devotees. 

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes explained that the clearing operations are part of the government’s preparations so that routes are “passable and obstruction-free for the safety and security of the devotees that would participate in the procession.”

The operations, MMDA Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez and SOG-SF Officer in Charge Gabriel Go, noted, were done in coordination with the Manila City local government. MTPB chief of operations Wilson Chan said they have been relentless in the clearing operations, not just because of the procession. 

Today, a total of 58 vehicles were apprehended while 22 were towed for illegal parking during the clearing operations.

Meanwhile, Artes said the MMDA is ready to provide traffic and emergency assistance before, during, and after the activities for the feast of the Black Nazarene, including the “Pahalik” (kissing of the image) at the Quirino Grandstand which starts on January 6.

“A total of 850 personnel will be deployed to assist in traffic management, public safety, maintenance of peace and order, emergency response operations, and clearing operations,” Artes shared.

In addition, the MMDA will also be charge of the traffic management on the designated routes, alternate routes; the installation and placement of fences and plastic barriers at the Luneta Parade Ground; cleanliness and tidiness of the vicinity of Quirino Grandstand; as well as installation of see-through fences and the provision of portalets at the Quirino Grandstand.

Further, the MMDA noted that ambulances, road emergency vehicles, traffic mobile cars, and necessary equipment shall also be dispatched in critical areas for the duration of the religious festivity. 

Motorists and the commuting public are advised to take note of roads that will be closed temporarily for the procession which will start at the Quirino Grandstand and end at Quiapo Church.

The procession route is as follows: start at the Quirino Grandstand, turn right to Katigbak Drive (left side), right to Padre Burgos St. through Finance Road, go straight to Ayala Bridge, left to Palanca St., right to Quezon Boulevard, right to Arlegui Street, right to Fraternal Street, right to Vergara Street, left to Duque de Alba Street, left to Castillejos Street, left to Farnecio Street, right to Arlegui Street, left to Nepomuceno Street, left to Concepcion Aguila Street, right to Carcer Street, right to Hidalgo through Plaza del Carmen, left to Bilibid Viejo through Gonzalo Puyat, left to J.P. de Guzman Street, right to Hidalgo Street, left to Quezon Boulevard, right to Palanca St. through under Quezon Bridge, right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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