Manila city govt covers manholes, fixes roads for Nazarene feast

As the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9 draws closer, the Manila city government has started covering manholes and fixing roads in areas where the yearly procession will pass. Radio dzBB reported on Wednesday that the city government also ordered the repair of drainage systems and electric posts to prevent accidents during the event. "Aayusin namin yan para kung ang taong naglalakad diyan maayos. Ang open manhole lalagyan ng necessary equipment para masara yan," Manila City Hall chief of staff Ricardo de Guzman said. (We will make the necessary repairs so devotees walking there will not encounter accidents. The open manholes will be closed.)

Meanwhile, the Manila Police District reminded devotees not to show off jewelry, gadgets and other valuables to avoid becoming prey to snatchers and muggers. A separate report on dwIZ radio said Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered the asphalting of roads in areas included in the procession's route. Lim also forbade vendors from setting up stalls especially near the areas where the devotees will converge, the dwIZ report added. Earlier, the Manila police mapped out security measures to secure Sunday's Feast of the Black Nazarene. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported the Manila Police District will station its personnel at the Quirino Grandstand, Luneta, and at the Quiapo Church as early as Saturday. MPD head Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla said his men will be on alert at the two sites as well as on key points of the procession on Saturday night. Earlier, Catholic Church officials in Manila said they have started preparations for the Feast of the Black Nazarene. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the activities include an overnight vigil at the Luneta on January 8, before the main procession on January 9. The CBCP said the procession is a re-enactment of the transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene from Luneta to Quiapo in 1787. According to the CBCP, devotees join the "Traslacion" as a way of strengthening their faith and showing their gratitude for spiritual and material favors they have received from God. This year’s celebration has the theme: “Yapak ng Poong Nazareno, Yakap ng Sambayanan sa Pagbabagong Buhay." – VVP, GMANews.TV