STAY AT HOME. Manila Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso inspects the vicinity of Quiapo Church on Friday (Jan. 8, 2021), a day before the Feast of the Black Nazarene. He reminded devotees that strict health protocols will be implemented and asked them to just stay home. (Photo courtesy of Manila PIO)
MANILA – Classes in all levels in Manila are suspended while a liquor ban would be in effect for the feast of the Black Nazarene on Saturday, the city's chief executive said on Friday.
“I have signed Executive Order No. 1 series of 2021 a few hours ago stating that all online classes will be canceled tomorrow, if there is, selling of liquor is prohibited and strict implementation of Ordinance No. 5555 yung pag iinom sa kalsada (drinking of liquor in public)," Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said on the sidelines of his inspection at the Quiapo Church.
Domagoso said people may experience some internet connectivity issues as with the previous years of the Traslacion.
He also asked Black Nazarene devotees to just stay home and watch the live Masses at the comfort of their homes as the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) remains.
"Muli nananawagan ako, hangga't maaari, please stay home. Manalangin tayo ng taimtim sa kanya-kanyang mga bahay as much as possible (Please, as much as possible, please stay home. Let us say our most heartfelt prayer to Him inside our homes)," Domagoso said,
He also reminded the people to observe at all times the minimum public health safety protocols such as the wearing of a face mask, face shield, and safe physical distancing.
Domagoso also said that all vehicles inside the vicinity of the Quiapo Church will be towed unless they are authorized.
“Huwag kayo magdala ng bisikleta, huwag kayo magdala ng sasakyan, huwag kayo magdala ng motor at ipapasok nyo sa (Do not bring bicycles, do not bring car, do not bring motorcycle inside the) contained radius from the church. It will be apprehended,” Domagoso said.
He added that even media and government vehicles will be towed and advised them to register their vehicles with the Manila Police District (MPD).
Meanwhile, even Msgr. Hernando Coronel, Quiapo Church Rector, asked the devotees to stay at home.
"Stay at home! Tayo'y magmahal sa Panginoon mula sa ating mga tahanan. Stay at home, iyon ang pinakamainam. Sa kaso ng pandemya, long distance ang kapangyarihan. Hindi kailangan hawakan o lapitan (Let us send our love to God inside our homes, that is the best thing to do. Now that there is the pandemic, we do not need to hold or touch him)," Coronel said.
A total of 15 Masses would be celebrated on the day of the feast that would be streamed live via social media, with the first Mass to be held at 4:30 a.m.
Officials of the Quiapo Church reminded the public that they will only allow 400 devotees inside the church per Mass while those who will not be able to enter the church may follow the mass via 12 LED (light-emitting diode) screens that have been put up within the vicinity of the church. (PNA)
