The Malabon City government announced on Tuesday, April 15, that it has prepared safety and security measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of Holy Week or Semana Santa.
“Sa isang linggong paggunita ng mga Mahal na Araw, ang ating pamahalaang lungsod ay naghanda upang masigurong maayos at payapa ang pagbisita ng mga mananampalataya sa mga simbahan at iba pang bahay-dalanginan sa lungsod (During the weeklong observance of Holy Week, our city government has made preparations to ensure a smooth and peaceful visit of the faithful to churches and other places of worship in the city),” Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said.
“Sa panahong ito, tayo po ay taos-pusong manalangin at alalahanin ang sakripisyo ng ating Panginoon para sa ating kaligtasan (During this time, let us wholeheartedly pray and reflect on the sacrifice of our Lord for our salvation),” she added.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), in coordination with various city departments, will implement Malabon’s Holy Week response plan from April 17 to 20.
The initiative is aimed at helping parishioners and visitors in observing the Lenten season peacefully and safely.
Staging areas will be set up in various areas in the city, particularly around 12 key churches, including La Purisima Concepcion de Malabon Church, Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, San Bartolome Parish Church – Parokya ng Sto. Rosario ng Dampalit, San Antonio de Padua, St. Peter and John Parish, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Church.
Other locations also include the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Parish, Immaculate Conception Parish, St. Claire of Assisi Parish Longos, Nuestro Señor de Longos, and Holy Trinity Quasi Church.
The city government assured the public that personnel would be stationed in areas with high foot traffic to help prevent untoward incidents and maintain public order.
Meanwhile, over 250 personnel from the MDRRMO, Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO), Malabon City Police Station (MCPS), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and City Health Department (CHD) will be deployed in these staging areas to assist with any health concerns or emergencies.
To strengthen emergency response, six ambulances and four fire trucks will also be on standby.
“Ngayong Holy Week, naghanda po tayo upang masigurong hindi maaabala o mahihirapan ang mga Malabonian habang sila ay taimtim na nagdadasal at nananampalataya sa Panginoon (This Holy Week, we have made preparations to ensure that Malabonians will not be inconvenienced or burdened as they solemnly pray and deepen their faith),” City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete.
“Huwag pong mahihiya o matatakot na lumapit sa mga kawani ng pamahalaang lungsod dahil prayoridad namin ang inyong kapakanan. Stay hydrated dahil maaaring maging mainit ang panahon sa mga araw na iyon (Don’t hesitate to approach city government personnel because your well-being is our priority. Stay hydrated as it may be hot during those days),” Rosete added.
Residents are encouraged to reach out to the MDRRMO through 0942-372-9891, 0919-062-5588, 8921-6009, or 8921-6029, or contact the city through the Malabon AHON 24/7 Alert App for any emergency needs.