TOWED. A traffic law enforcer from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) inspects towed vehicles during a clearing operation in Manila on Thursday (Jan. 4, 2024) for this year's Feast of the Black Nazarene. The MMDA said a total of 58 vehicles were apprehended and 22 were towed during the day's operation. (Photo courtesy of MMDA)
MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Manila City government on Thursday began their clearing operation along the route of the Black Nazarene for this year’s Traslacion.
In a statement, MMDA Acting Chair Don Artes said the joint operation was led by the MMDA Special Operations Group-Strike Force and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB).
The operation, Artes said, aims to ensure there will be no obstruction that might hamper the annual procession of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9 that drew over 1.2 million devotees last year.
“Clearing operations are part of the government’s preparations so that routes are passable and obstruction-free for the safety and security of the devotees that would participate in the procession,” he said.
A total of 58 vehicles were apprehended, while 22 were towed for illegal parking during the day's clearing operations.
Most of these illegally parked vehicles were electric tricycles.
Artes advised motorists and commuters to avoid the route of the procession as a number of roads will be temporarily closed during the event.
The procession will begin at the Quirino Grandstand, turn right to Katigbak Drive (left side), right to Padre Burgos St. through Finance Road, go straight to Ayala Bridge, left to Palanca St., right to Quezon Boulevard, right to Arlegui Street, right to Fraternal Street, right to Vergara Street, left to Duque de Alba Street, left to Castillejos Street, left to Farnecio Street, right to Arlegui Street, left to Nepomuceno Street, left to Concepcion Aguila Street, right to Carcer Street, right to Hidalgo through Plaza del Carmen, left to Bilibid Viejo through Gonzalo Puyat, left to J.P. de Guzman Street, right to Hidalgo Street, left to Quezon Boulevard, right to Palanca St. through under Quezon Bridge, right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda and finally to Quiapo Church.
The MMDA will provide traffic and emergency assistance before, during, and after the Feast of the Black Nazarene activities, including the "pahalik" or the kissing of the image at the Quirino Grandstand which begins on Jan. 6.
“[Some] 850 personnel will be deployed to assist in traffic management, public safety, maintenance of peace and order, emergency response operations, and clearing operations,” Artes said.
Three MMDA offices will take part in the event—the MMDA Traffic Discipline Office for traffic management, the MMDA Road Safety Unit/Traffic Engineering Center for the installation of fences and barriers, and the MMDA Metro Parkways Clearing Group for the cleanliness of the different venues and roads along the route.
“Ambulances, road emergency vehicles, traffic mobile cars, and necessary equipment will also be dispatched in critical areas during the religious festivity. Monitoring and communication equipment will also be set up in command centers,” Artes said. (PNA)
