No classes in 8 schools along procession route

There will be no classes in eight public schools in areas of Manila that will be greatly affected by heavy traffic due to the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday, according to Mayor Alfredo S. Lim.

In a statement issued Thursday, Ricardo de Guzman, city chief of staff and media bureau head, identified the schools as City College of Manila, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Manila Science High School, Araullo High School, Manila High School, Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, Ramon Avanceña High School and Geronimo Santiago High School.

Meanwhile, Lim said that it was up to the private schools and those located within or near Quiapo run by the national government, if they will suspend their classes in light of the heavy traffic expected on January 9.

He, however, said that he has directed city officials to inform the Department of Education of the possible difficulties their students may face if classes are held.

Lim said that aside from getting stuck in heavy traffic, students may also find themselves stranded as millions of devotees pack the streets from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo.—Karen Boncocan