(UPDATED January 5, 2015) MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada announced class suspension for Friday, January 9, 2015 to make way for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Erap through Executive Order No. 1 for 2015 said that the suspension will cover public and private schools at all levels.
Suspension of classes had been "recommended for public order and safety." It is expected that around 12 million people will join the activities marking the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Work suspension in all departments, offices and bureaus in the city government was also announced. This excludes those involved in:
But Estrada said the suspension of work in national government offices and private offices in the city "is left to the discretion of their heads of office."
“We are mobilizing all hospitals, the entire Manila police force, doctors, City Hall’s engineering department and the garbage department to be in full force during the Feast of the Black Nazarene,” he said.
Erap will meet with Monsignor Jose Clemente Ignacio, rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, for preparations for the feast, Estrada said.
The Feast of Black Nazarene commemorates the 'Traslación' or Passage of life-sized, dark wooden statue of Jesus Christ through procession or transfer of the image to its present shrine in Quiapo church. Highlight of the celebration is the grand procession of sea of devotees from Luneta.
On the said date, it is also expected that traffic in several parts of Manila, including areas through which the procession will pass will be heavy.
Erap through Executive Order No. 1 for 2015 said that the suspension will cover public and private schools at all levels.
Suspension of classes had been "recommended for public order and safety." It is expected that around 12 million people will join the activities marking the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Work suspension in all departments, offices and bureaus in the city government was also announced. This excludes those involved in:
- maintenance of peace and order;
- traffic enforcement;
- disaster and risk reduction management;
- health and sanitation; and
- issuance of business permits and collection of taxes.
But Estrada said the suspension of work in national government offices and private offices in the city "is left to the discretion of their heads of office."
“We are mobilizing all hospitals, the entire Manila police force, doctors, City Hall’s engineering department and the garbage department to be in full force during the Feast of the Black Nazarene,” he said.
Erap will meet with Monsignor Jose Clemente Ignacio, rector of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, for preparations for the feast, Estrada said.
The Feast of Black Nazarene commemorates the 'Traslación' or Passage of life-sized, dark wooden statue of Jesus Christ through procession or transfer of the image to its present shrine in Quiapo church. Highlight of the celebration is the grand procession of sea of devotees from Luneta.
On the said date, it is also expected that traffic in several parts of Manila, including areas through which the procession will pass will be heavy.
