DPWH assures public roads are safe on Jan. 9

The Department of Public Works and Highways said Friday that roads, buildings and public structures to be traversed by the procession of the Black Nazarene in Manila on Monday are in good condition and had been cleared of obstructions.

Romeo Momo, undersecretary for regional operations, said that Quirino Grandstand, the parade grounds and all the roads leading to and from it were in “good service.” The Manila city engineering office made the same assurance.

“The national highways where the Black Nazarene will pass have no problems. We have coordination meetings with the city engineers,” he told reporters.

The roads from Rizal Park to Quiapo Church and the roads around Quiapo district have been cleared of obstructions, such as parked vehicles and sidewalk vendors.

“We have cleared all obstructions and  even the drainage and the canals have been fixed. We inspected the manholes and nothing is missing. Even the curbs and railings are newly painted and the DPWH is part of the team undertaking the physical arrangements for the processions,” he said.

Meanwhile, as part of its yearly commitment, Philippine Red Cross will be sending staff and volunteers to give  medical as well as other forms of assistance to the thousands of devotees who will join the event.

PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang said more than 350 workers from 10 Red Cross chapters will be deployed to different areas along the procession route to ensure the safety of the public and to provide services such as first aid stations, foot patrol first aiders, ambulance service and water rescue and welfare desk  staff.

A total of 11 first aid and health stations will be set up and more than 50 ambulances will be deployed during the entire procession.

The PRC will also mobilize four rubber boats and other rescue vehicles such as rescue and fire trucks, amphibians and other transport vehicles for possible deployment.

The procession will start at 8 a.m. from Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park.