Officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), headed by Chairman Atty. Don Artes, inspected the Quirino Grandstand in Manila where the traditional Pahalik is being held days ahead of the Traslacion.
Artes inspected the agency’s Mobile Command Center and the First Aid Station among other preparations set up by the agency.
The MMDA has placed plastic barriers as barricades to ensure orderliness of the queue and tents to serve as shade for the devotees. Emergency response is also on standby for those who’ll be needing immediate medical attention.
CCTVs are also deployed around the areas where the procession will pass to monitor traffic situations and ensure peace and order, in cooperation with the police.
“We have deployed 1200 personnel for the procession alone, including those who are tasked to maintain the cleanliness of the road right after the procession passes through a certain route,” the MMDA chief said.
While he assured that clearing and cleaning operations are being undertaken to eliminate not just illegally parked vehicles but also trash and other obstructions in the road, Artes enjoined the public to throw their garbage responsibly especially during the Traslacion.
“We appeal to our kababayans not to throw trash which can cause injury or harm fellow devotees who will join the procession especially since the majority of them join the Traslacion barefooted.”
“We appeal to our kababayans not to throw trash which can cause injury or harm fellow devotees who will join the procession especially since the majority of them join the Traslacion barefooted,” Artes said.
Number coding scheme will be suspended in Manila City as the Feast Day was declared earlier as a special non-working holiday.
The MMDA also advised rerouting for affected motorists:
LIGHT VEHICLES
For vehicles coming from South (Roxas Boulevard and Taft Avenue), take United Nations Avenue, straight to Nagtahan Otis, left at Mabini Bridge towards Magsaysay Boulevard and Lacson Avenue to destination and vice versa.
For vehicles coming from North ( Malabon-Navotas and Port area), take Anda Circle then take Soriano Avenue (Intramuros), Magallanes Drive towards Chinatown
TRUCKS
Going to North Harbor from SLEX straight ahead to Osmeña Hi-way then right turn to Quirino Avenue, straight to Nagtahan St., going to Lacson Avenue, left turn to Yuseco St., and straight ahead to Capulong St. Right turn or turn left to R-10 road to destination.
While trucks coming from Parañaque Area turn right at Quirino Avenue to Nagtahan then Lacson Ave. to destination. Same route may be utilized by trucks going south.
“The MMDA is reviewing proposed venues and activities as a series of coordination meetings continue for the peace rally organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo scheduled on January 13.”
Meanwhile, Artes said the MMDA is reviewing proposed venues and activities as a series of coordination meetings continue for the peace rally organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo scheduled on January 13.
