Expect strict measures in and around the Antipolo City proper on Jan. 26, Friday, as the city government will be implementing safety and security measures in anticipation of the large number of visitors coming from other parts of the country to witness the solemn declaration of the Antipolo cathedral as an international shrine.
Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro “Jun-Jun” Ynares III announced on his social media page that road closures, traffic rerouting scheme, and prohibition on the use of certain items will be implemented by the city government on Jan. 26 in the vicinity of the Antipolo Cathedral, as part of the local government’s approach to achieve a glitch-free observance of the Jan. 26 event in the lone city of Rizal Province.
In the advisory posted on Ynares’ Facebook page, visitors attending the solemn declaration of the Antipolo cathedral as the International Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage are prohibited to bring a backpack or bag, umbrella, bladed instrument, water tumbler; and firecrackers or pyrotechnics. They are also not allowed to wear a hoodie or hooded sweatshirt. Those who consumed alcohol will also be banned from entering the cathedral premises.
Illegal vendors are also banned on the streets in the vicinity of the cathedral.
A traffic rerouting scheme on Jan. 26 will also be implemented by local traffic enforcers as P. Oliveros and M.L. Quezon Streets, the two roads leading to the International Shrine, will be closed.
Vehicles going to Victory Mall should turn left to Bonifacio Street, turn right to Dela Paz Street towards Victory Mall then left to M. L. Quezon.
Motorists going to the direction of Shopwise should turn right to Gen. Luna Street towards Shopwise.
Attendees bringing their own vehicles are encouraged to use the parking lot of the Ynares Center and ride the shuttle that will be provided for free by the city government to and from the Antipolo Cathedral.
Fr. Reynante Tolentino, shrine rector and administrator of the Antipolo Cathedral, told the Manila Bulletin that bishops and archbishops from all over the country are expected to attend the solemn ceremony on Friday.
Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown, D.D. is officiating the Holy Mass and declaration ceremony together with Antipolo Bishop Ruperto C. Santos.
Mar Bacani of the Antipolo City Culture, Arts, Tourism Promotions Office said the drum and lyre bands of schools and members of the Antipolo City Band will render music as early as 7 a.m. to welcome the guests and visitors outside the cathedral.
(International Shrine of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Photo by Nel Andrade)
On the eve of the declaration event, the praying of the Holy Rosary, a Holy Mass and procession will take place to be participated in by the parishes under the Vicariate of the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.