Manila City Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso on Monday announced a series of measures to ensure safety, order, and solemnity for the 2026 Feast of Jesus Nazareno.
Domagoso suspended work in city government offices and classes at all levels in both public and private schools on Friday, January 9.
However, frontline services such as peace and order, public services, traffic enforcement, disaster risk reduction, and health services will continue operations.
Meanwhile, the suspension of work in national government offices and private companies in the capital will be left to the discretion of their respective management.
A liquor ban within a 500-meter radius of Quiapo Church and along the Jesus Nazareno procession route was also imposed, along with a firecracker ban to prevent injuries, fires, and other hazards during the festivities, which involve massive crowds and long routes.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III led the inspection of the Jesus Nazareno procession route as part of preparations for the annual procession and the orderly queue for devotees to touch the image on January 7.
Torre said the MMDA is continuously coordinating with the Manila city government and other agencies to ensure the safety and security of devotees.
Around 1,000 MMDA personnel will be deployed for traffic management, public safety, emergency response, and clearing operations.
First-aid stations are being prepared, while the MMDA Mobile Command Center will monitor activities throughout the feast day.
Road clearing operations are ongoing to ensure the smooth passage of the Black Nazarene image, with motorists advised to avoid the route from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church and take alternative roads
