Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano said it was a blessing that the grand procession of the Nuestra Señora de Sto. Niño was held in the city for the first time.
Rubiano said 300 different images of Sto. Niño coming from nearby cities and provinces were displayed during the procession on board 90 floats which started in front of the city hall around 3 p.m.
The mayor said the grand procession was a success with the participation of more than 20,000 devotees.
About 160 police personnel under the supervision of city police chief Col. Froilan Uy were deployed to ensure peace and order during the procession. In addition, 440 personnel from the City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) and the Public Order and Safety Unit were also deployed.
The mayor was bestowed the role of "hermana mayor" while Rep. Antonino Calixto served as "hermano" by the Congregation del Nombre de Jesus on Jan. 19.
“Pasay will always be a home of our beloved Sto. Niño. We at the Pasay government will always be of support to such causes and activities, as they are reflection of our faith and our hearts. Hope, faith and love is the message of the Holy Child,” Rubiano said.
About 350 images of the Infant Jesus were displayed for 10 days at the Pasay City Astrodome. A Holy Mass and novena were officiated by Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian and Diocese of Bangued after the Santisimo Nombre del Nino Jesus was brought to the Astrodome.
The Sto. Niño procession from Pasay City Hall moved to the Liwasang Ipil Ipil open field at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex where more devotees waited.