MMDA, Manila City gov't. clear roads for 2024 'Traslacion'

Clearing operations were done in Manila — specifically along the route of this year’s Black Nazarene procession known as the “Traslacion” — to ensure that it will be from any obstructions.

The aforementioned initiative was spearheaded by the MMDA Special Operations Group-Strike Force (SOG-SF) and Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) to guarantee that the roads will be “passable and obstruction-free for the safety and security of the devotees that would participate in the procession.”

The event — to be held on January 9 — is expected to draw millions of participants and devotees. 

According to MMDA Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez and SOG-SF Officer in Charge Gabriel Go, the clearing operations were conducted in coordination with the Manila City local government.

For his part, MTPB chief of operations Wilson Chan said local government has been relentless in the clearing operations, not just because of the procession. 

Today, a total of 58 vehicles were apprehended while 22 were towed for illegal parking during the clearing operations.

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes also expressed the agency’s readiness to provide traffic and emergency assistance before, during, and after the activities for the feast of the Black Nazarene, including the “Pahalik” (kissing of the image) at the Quirino Grandstand which starts on January 6.

Per the MMDA chair, 850 personnel will be deployed for the event.

The MMDA will also be charge of the traffic management on the designated routes, alternate routes; the installation and placement of fences and plastic barriers at the Luneta Parade Ground; cleanliness and tidiness of the vicinity of Quirino Grandstand; as well as installation of see-through fences and the provision of portalets at the Quirino Grandstand.

Further, the agency will also dispatch ambulances, road emergency vehicles, traffic mobile cars, and other necessary equipment in critical areas for the duration of the religious festivity. 

Motorists and the commuting public are advised to take note of roads that will be closed temporarily for the procession which will start at the Quirino Grandstand and end at Quiapo Church.

The procession route is as follows: start at the Quirino Grandstand, turn right to Katigbak Drive (left side), right to Padre Burgos St. through Finance Road, go straight to Ayala Bridge, left to Palanca St., right to Quezon Boulevard, right to Arlegui Street, right to Fraternal Street, right to Vergara Street, left to Duque de Alba Street, left to Castillejos Street, left to Farnecio Street, right to Arlegui Street, left to Nepomuceno Street, left to Concepcion Aguila Street, right to Carcer Street, right to Hidalgo through Plaza del Carmen, left to Bilibid Viejo through Gonzalo Puyat, left to J.P. de Guzman Street, right to Hidalgo Street, left to Quezon Boulevard, right to Palanca St. through under Quezon Bridge, right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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MMDA Ready for Black Nazarene Procession on January 9