San Mateo, Rizal declares class suspension, road closure, and traffic rerouting on Sept. 9 for town fiesta
By Nel Andrade
In celebration of the feast day of Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu, the local government of San Mateo, Rizal has announced a suspension of classes, road closures, and traffic rerouting on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
Through Proclamation No. 2, Series of 2025, Mayor Bartolome Rivera, Jr. declared the suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools in the municipality.
Rivera based the suspension of classes on Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) that grants mayors to adopt measures promoting the welfare, safety and protection of their constituents; Ordinance No. 2004-012 declaring September 9 of every year as the Araw ng Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu, a local holiday and a day of suspension of classes in schools in the town; and Ordinance No. 2014-044 that institutionalize the “Kakanin Festival, Foundation Day and Feast of San Mateo, collectively known as “Septemberfest," highlighting the cultural, religious, and historical importance of September to the people of San Mateo.
Also related to the suspension of classes is Ordinance No. 054-2023 declaring San Mateo’s Marian image as the official Patroness of San Mateo, affirming its central place in the town’s religious and cultural identity.
The local government has also issued an advisory implementing a full road closure and stop and go traffic scheme from and to the National Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Aranzazu in Barangays Sta. Ana, Guitnang Bayan I and II, Dulong Bayan.
The parade and procession will be from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., respectively.
Motorists going to Rodriguez can use the alternate routes such as Paraiso, Daang Bakal, and Patiis, and may refer to the directional signs leading to the places where the festivities will happen.