The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) stepped up the conduct of clearing and cleaning operations along the procession route of the Jesus Nazareno on Thursday, Jan. 9.
MMDA chairman Don Artes said the cleaning and clearing operations are currently ongoing and are aimed at eliminating illegally parked vehicles, trash and other obstructions along the road.
"We have deployed 1,200 personnel for the procession alone, including those who are tasked to maintain the cleanliness of the road right after the procession passes through a certain route," Artes said who led the inspection at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila where the traditional “Pahalik” is being held days ahead of the Traslacion.
Artes said MMDA personnel have placed plastic barriers as barricades to ensure orderliness of the queue and tents to serve as shade for the devotees, adding that emergency response is also on standby for those who would be needing immediate medical attention.
“CCTVs are also deployed around the areas where the procession will pass to monitor traffic situations and ensure peace and order, in cooperation with the police,” said Artes.
He said the number coding scheme will be suspended in Manila City as the Feast Day was declared earlier as a special non-working holiday.
Rerouting
In a bid to assist motorists on Jan. 9, the MMDA has mapped out a traffic rerouting plan during the Traslacion.
For light vehicles coming from South (Roxas Boulevard and Taft Avenue), they are advised to take the United Nations Avenue, straight to Nagtahan Otis, left at Mabini Bridge towards Magsaysay Boulevard and Lacson Avenue to destination and vice versa.
For light vehicles coming from North ( Malabon-Navotas and Port area), take Anda Circle then take Soriano Avenue (Intramuros), Magallanes Drive towards Chinatown
For trucks going to North Harbor from SLEX, they are advised to proceed straight to Osmeña Hi-way then right turn to Quirino Avenue, straight to Nagtahan St., going to Lacson Avenue, left turn to Yuseco St., and straight ahead to Capulong St. Right turn or turn left to R-10 road to destination.
Trucks coming from Parañaque Area, on the other hand, are advised to turn right at Quirino Avenue to Nagtahan then Lacson Ave. to destination. Same route may be utilized by trucks going south.
Keep your trash
The EcoWaste Coalition earlier advised Jesus Nazareno devotees to make the entire religious activity trash-free.
On the part of the MMDA, Artes also advised the devotees to avoid littering as this may cause injuries to the devotees.
"We appeal to our kababayans not to throw trash which can cause injury or harm to fellow devotees who will join the procession on Thursday especially since the majority of them join the Traslacion barefooted," said Artes.