Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada attends the press briefing on the preparations for the Feast of the Black Nazarene around Quiapo on January 9. YUJI VINCENT GONZALES/INQUIRER.net
Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Thursday announced the suspension of classes at all levels and work in government offices in the city of Manila on Monday, Jan. 9, in anticipation of the millions of devotees that will flock to the streets for the Black Nazarene procession.
Estrada made the announcement in a press briefing on security preparations for the Traslacion at Quiapo Church.
He said work in government offices will be suspended except those involved in peace and order, traffic enforcement, disaster and risk reduction management, health and sanitation, issuance of business permits, and collection of taxes.
Estrada assured the public that the “full force of the city hall is already in place” for this year’s grand procession, which is expected to draw at least 15 million people.
The annual grand procession, the largest in the predominantly Catholic Philippines, commemorates the first parade transferring the revered statue of Jesus Christ from a church in Intramuros to the Quiapo Church on Jan. 9, 1767. IDL/rga
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