President Marcos expressed his hope that the Feast of the Jesus Nazarene would fortify the bond between the devotees and the Almighty, encouraging them to serve others with the same spirit of hope and peace that the Nazarene embodies.

Marcos said this as thousands of devotees walk barefoot in prayer and sacrifice during the annual Traslacion on Thursday, Jan. 9.

In his message, the President emphasized the feast's transformative power as a religious observance and a call to action for communal service.

"This colossal gathering of Filipinos in the streets of Manila is a testament to our people's solidarity and camaraderie," he said.

"Let us remember that we are called to hurdle the challenges that test our resolve with faith and grace as well as to reach out to those around us who need our kindness and empathy," he added.

Meanwhile, in her message, Vice President Sara Duterte urged Filipinos to continue praying for healing, wisdom, and guidance as they renew their faith in prayer and contemplation.

According to Duterte, the Jesus Nazarene is a manifestation that people will never face challenges alone as God is constantly guiding them and "carrying the cross for us on the way to salvation."

"Our devotion to the Black Nazarene is a testament to our profound trust in God’s miracles that have become the spring that gives us the strength, courage, and the inspiration to be resilient as we hold fast to our faith and overcome the challenges coming our way," she wrote.

"We are also called to show humility, kindness, and mercy to everyone in need, even to those who persecute us," she added.

Last week, President Marcos declared Jan. 9 a special nonworking day in Manila to mark the annual celebration of the Feast of the Jesus Nazarene.

The City of Manila earlier said security was a top priority for this year's Traslacion, deploying over 12,000 personnel from the Manila Police District (MPD), the Philippine National Police (PNP) - National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), and nearby police regional offices.

The observation revolves around the revered statue of Jesus Nazarene, which represents Jesus Christ carrying the cross. The celebration has deep historical roots and attracts millions of devotees annually with 6.1 million people present during last year's Traslacion.

The statue was brought to Manila from Mexico by Spanish missionaries in 1606. It is housed in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. The Traslacion commemorates the statue's transfer from its original location in Intramuros to Quiapo in 1787.

During the Traslacion, the statue is moved from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo Church. Devotees dressed in maroon and yellow walk barefoot, pull ropes attached to the carriage, and try to touch or wipe the image with handkerchiefs, believing in its supposedly healing powers.