Processions, parties, games, and other festivities will be banned during the Feast of Sto. Nino, or the Holy Child Jesus to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Manila mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso announced on Thursday, Jan. 13.
Domagoso signed Executive Order No. 4, Series of 2022, strictly prohibiting religious processions, parties, stage shows, parades, palarong kalye or street games, ati-atihan or other forms of gathering.
“Sa ating mga barangay chaiman, wala pong palaro, walang ati-atihan, walang palosebo, agawan ng buko o palarong pambata ng pwedeng gawin (To our barangay chairmans, no games, no palosebo, or any children's games that can be done),” he said during a press conference.
“Sa ating mga deboto, magsama-sama nalang po muna tayo sa bahay at maghawak-hawak tayo ng kamay at patuloy tayong manalig at kumapit sa Diyos at magdasal sa kapistahan ng ating mahal na Sto. Nino (To our devotees, let us be together at our homes and hold hands, and let us continue to believe and hold onto God and pray for the feast of our dear Sto. Nino),” the Manila mayor added.
While churches will be closed and there will be no physical masses, an online masses will be offered to celebrate the feast.
A liquor ban will also be implemented in the city during the feast day.
Domagoso added he already directed the Manila Police District (MPD) to implement the executive order.