Despite the absence of the traditional "Traslacion," President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has declared Jan. 9 a special non-working day in Manila to mark the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
In a Facebook post on Friday afternoon, the Manila Public Information Office uploaded a copy of Proclamation No. 120, declaring the said holiday on Monday, Jan. 9.
The document, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Jan. 6, was confirmed by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) later.
JUST IN: President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. declares Jan. 9, 2023, a special nonworking day in Manila in celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/mAqHfCr113
— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) January 6, 2023
"It is but fitting and proper that the City of Manila be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies," the proclamation read.
The Quiapo Church is set to conduct two main activities starting Saturday, Jan. 7, leading to the actual feast on Monday, Jan. 9.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the traditional "Traslacion" and "Pahalik" will still not be present during this year's celebration. These will be replaced by the "Pagpupugay" event and the "Walk of Faith" procession.
Images of the Black Nazarene will be displayed for the "Pagpupugay" at the Quirino Grandstand from Saturday until Monday. The event will have separate lanes for persons with disability, senior citizens, and male and female individuals.
Meanwhile, the "Walk of Faith" procession will be held after the midnight mass on Jan. 8. The procession is set to start at 1:30 a.m. from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church.
Quiapo Church adviser Alex Irasga said all "elements" of devotion will still be present as church members will join the event and pray the rosary.
He, however, encouraged the participating faithful to strictly observe minimum public health standards during the two new activities.