The Manila City government will designate four areas to accommodate the devotees who will be attending mass in Quiapo Church on the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9.
Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso told GMA News’ Unang Balita on Monday he allowed the opening of the areas in consideration of the complaint of the church in its gatherings amid the pandemic.
“Doon naman sa dadako sa ating area sa Quiapo, we will make Villalobos, Carriedo, Hidalgo and Plaza Miranda available sa excess sa loob ng simbahan kasi may maximum requirement,” Domagoso said.
Domagoso also said the Manila government had provided face shields and face masks to Quiapo Church that will be distributed to the devotees inside the church during the feast.
On Sunday, Quiapo Church spokesman Fr. Douglas Badong said the celebration of the feast will exclude traditional activities such as the procession and salubong or pahalik to avoid COVID-19 transmission.
Aside from this, devotees were told to attend mass in their own parishes instead of coming all the way to Quiapo Church.
Badong said the church asked the Manila government to close off certain roads along the southern part of Quezon Boulevard to make way for the devotees.
Millions of devotees are expected to arrive at Quiapo Church during the traslacion or the procession of the Black Nazarene.
