Palace: January 9 a holiday in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has declared Jan. 9 a special non-working day in Manila to allow its residents to join the traslacion of the Black Nazarene.

The holiday declaration is contained in Proclamation No. 434 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of Marcos yesterday.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Manila be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration,” the proclamation read.

The Black Nazarene is an image depicting a dark-skinned Jesus carrying a cross. It depicts the sufferings endured by Jesus before He was crucified in Calvary.

According to the website of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, the traslacion commemorates the transfer of the image of the Black Nazarene from Recollect Church in Intramuros to its present shrine in Quiapo. The transfer was done over 400 years ago and the Church commemorates it annually every Jan. 9, the website said.

“Famous for its spectacular view of millions of people gathering in one religious event, the traslacion of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno is considered one of the biggest Filipino fiestas known in the whole world,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health announced yesterday that it will place all DOH-run hospitals in the National Capital Region on code white alert starting today in preparation for the traslacion. The alert will be in effect until Jan. 11.

A code white alert is declared during national events, holidays or celebrations that can potentially cause mass casualty incidents or emergencies.

“As part of the preparedness strategy, eight health emergency response teams, each equipped with ambulances, will be strategically deployed along the traslacion route to provide advanced emergency medical services to the thousands of devotees expected to participate in the event,” the DOH said in a statement.

The teams will be stationed at key locations, including the Quirino Grandstand, San Sebastian Church with Reachout and Quinta Market as well as near Ayala Boulevard’s intersections with Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue and San Marcelino street.

There will also be teams near Villarica and Paterno streets’