Thirty hours. That’s how long it took for the Black Nazarene to complete its journey this year. Thirty hours of sweat, chants, pushing, pulling, and praying. Thirty hours of barefoot devotion under the Manila sun and rain. Thirty hours that tested not just the endurance of the faithful, but the patience of a nation.

For many, the Traslacion is more than a procession—it is a mirror of who we are as Filipinos. The sight of millions pressing forward, desperate to touch the andas, is a testament to our stubborn faith. We cling to hope even when the odds are against us. We endure hardship because we believe it brings us closer to salvation. That is the Filipino way: resilient, passionate, and unyielding.

But let’s be honest. This year’s record-breaking 30-hour trudge also exposed the cracks in our system. Four lives were lost. Countless others were injured. The carriage broke down. The crowd surged dangerously. Authorities admitted they were overwhelmed. Faith carried us through, yes—but faith alone cannot carry the weight of millions without order, foresight, and reform.

The ordinary Filipino knows this truth well. We line up for hours to pay bills. We endure traffic that eats away at our days. We wait for government services that move at a crawl. We are masters of endurance, but endurance should not be mistaken for progress. The Traslacion reminds us that devotion without discipline can turn into chaos. Faith without foresight can cost lives.

So what now? The Church has promised reforms. The police vow better crowd control. But promises are not enough. Ordinary Filipinos deserve more than apologies after every tragedy. We deserve a Traslacion that honors faith without sacrificing safety. We deserve leaders who plan ahead, not just react when things fall apart. We deserve systems that respect both devotion and dignity.

The Traslacion is not just about touching the Nazarene. It is about touching the lives of millions who believe. If we can organize elections with precision, if we can stage concerts with world-class logistics, why can’t we manage a procession that happens every single year? The answer lies not in miracles, but in willpower, planning, and respect for the people who show up.

30 hours of faith should inspire thirty years of reform. Let this year’s record-breaking Traslacion be more than a headline. Let it be a wake-up call. Because the ordinary Filipino has already proven their devotion. What we need now is proof that our institutions can match it—with discipline, foresight, and care.

Faith is our strength. But discipline must be our salvation. ([email protected])