Try ‘Visita Iglesia’ in Metro, says MMDA boss

Quiapo Church. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – To beat the heavy traffic and the long lines at bus stations, airports and seaports during the Holy Week, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority [MMDA] chairman Francis Tolentino suggested on Monday that the public try ‘‘Visita Iglesia’’ within the metropolis instead.

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer, Tolentino urged those who do not need to visit family in the provinces to try the Visita Iglesia route within Metro Manila.

“We have 1,823 churches within Metro Manila and on Good Friday the Black Nazarene will once again be taken out from Quiapo Church,” he said.

“For those who do not need to visit the provinces, there are Visita Iglesia activities within Metro Manila. On Thursday there will be a pilgrimage to Antipolo City,” added Tolentino.

He said that the MMDA has deployed all of its personnel through Oplan Semana Santa and would be in close coordination with the Philippine National Police [PNP] and the local government units [LGUs].

“We have been on full deployment since last week… [and] we are reminding those who will be going to the provinces to request their barangay to keep an eye on the homes they will be leaving for the Holy Week,” added Tolentino.

For more of the interview, listen to Radyo Inquirer 990AM.