President Marcos on Friday, Jan. 9, called on Filipinos to carry the values of compassion, service, and solidarity beyond the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene and into everyday life.

In a message marking the religious observance, the President joined the Catholic faithful in reflecting on the sacrifice, perseverance, and shared responsibility embodied in the devotion to the Black Nazarene.

“As we mark this year’s Feast, I invite everyone not only to reach for the Nazareno’s image, but to let this devotion guide the way we think, act, and help one another long after the procession has passed,” he said.

“If we can go through great lengths for a moment of contact with the image, we can also persevere in the daily work of choosing honesty over falsehood, service over self-interest, and compassion over indifference,” he added.

Marcos said the procession is a reminder that “Filipino faith walks barefoot on hot pavement, squeezes through crowded streets, and bears upon its shoulders the daily worries of our countrymen striving for a more certain tomorrow.”

“In the crowd, we witness stories of sacrifice and perseverance alongside the panata, community spirit, and steadfast solidarity that keep many families standing and communities moving,” he added.

The President said the stories and prayers of devotees also highlight the need for more effective and responsive governance and public services.

“By listening to their hopes, aspirations, and prayers, we come to see the gap between the burdens people carry and the support they receive,” he said, adding that better governance can help bridge that distance.

Marcos expressed hope that the celebration would strengthen the shared commitment to support one another, ensure fairer access to opportunities, and sustain hope in daily life.

The President earlier declared Jan. 9, 2026, a special non-working day in the capital to ensure the orderly observance of the feast, as millions of devotees are expected to gather at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila.

On her part, Vice President Sara Duterte also marked the occasion by describing the devotion to the Black Nazarene as a reaffirmation of the Filipino people’s deep and enduring faith.

“Ang debosyon sa Black Nazarene ay nagpapaalala sa atin ng walang kapantay na pag-ibig, sakripisyo, at pagpapakumbaba ni Hesus para sa sangkatauhan (The devotion to the Black Nazarene reminds us of Jesus’ unparalleled love, sacrifice, and humility for humanity),” she said.

She said the yearly journey of devotees, despite hardship and trials, strengthens faith and serves as a call to reflect on shortcomings, seek forgiveness, and give thanks for received blessings.

“Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon ang Itim na Nazareno upang patuloy nating isabuhay ang turo ng pag-ibig at pagtitiwala sa plano ng Diyos (May the Black Nazarene inspire us to continue living out the teachings of love and trust in God’s plan),” Duterte said.