PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared Jan. 9 as a special non-working day in the City of Manila, in observance of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.

The holiday declaration was contained in Proclamation 766 signed on Friday.

“The Feast of the Black Nazarene will be celebrated on 09 January 2025, Thursday… Millions of devotees are expected to flock to the Quiapo Church and the City of Manila,” the proclamation read.

“In order to ensure orderly procession of devotees and to facilitate the flow of traffic, the City of Manila requests that Thursday, 09 January 2025 be declared a special (non-working) day,” it added.

The route of the annual Jesus Nazareno procession or Traslacion on Jan. 9 this year will remain the same.

The procession will start from the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park and up to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or Quiapo Church along Quezon Boulevard.

The National Capital Region Police Office will be deploying over 14,000 officers to secure the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.

The deployment includes 12,168 officers for area and route security and 2,306 personnel who would serve as an augmentation force.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines would also deploy units to assist the Philippine National Police in securing the annual Traslacion.

PRC medics ready for Traslacion

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is set to deploy staff, and assets to assist the devotees who will join this year’s activities for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, celebrated annually on January 9, especially the Traslacion or “Walk of Faith.”

The teams are from the PRC national headquarters, and its chapters and branches in Manila, Malabon, Caloocan, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasay, Valenzuela, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig/Pateros, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Paranaque, and Rizal Province for the Nazareno operations.

A total of 17 first aid stations will be set up in strategic points of the Traslacion procession route from the Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church).

Some 18 ambulances from PRC’s chapters in Metro Manila will be deployed, while 20 ambulances from the Central and Southern Luzon chapters will be on standby in case the need for augmentation arises. 12 scooters will be allotted for the use of the roving medical team in the narrower street routes of the procession.

Two rescue boats will also be readied, along with other assets of the PRC such as rescue truck, fire truck, humvee, 6×6, and service vehicles.

Moreover, there will be an emergency medical unit, including a six-bed emergency response (ER) module that can cater to minor wound cleaning, and a 50-bed capacity ward to hold and treat patients.

A total of 80 personnel, comprising five doctors, 10 nurses, 25 support allied health volunteers (students, doctors, and nurses), 15 staff from Health services and Metro Manila chapters, and 25 tent builders for set up and dismantling of the emergency field hospital will be mobilized.

“The Red Cross stands ready to ensure the safety and well-being of thousands of devotees for a peaceful and solemn Traslacion. Given the expected large crowds, we will exercise an increased level of vigilance to our response operations on the ground through our dedicated first aid volunteers and teams who are prepared for any situation or crises,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added, “Our Nazareno operations are a team effort from all our chapters and branches in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. We assure the devotees that when an emergency breaks out during the procession, they will be readily accommodated at our first aid stations, and Red Cross personnel will be there to help.” PNA and Arlene Rivera

AUTHOR PROFILE

Arlene Rivera