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MMDA heightens preparations for Feast of the Black Nazarene

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy more than 1,200 personnel starting Saturday, January 7, 2017 to ensure the security of devotees for the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2017.

MMDA General Manager Thomas Orbos said a total of 1,245 MMDA personnel will be deployed around Quirino Grandstand, Quiapo Church and along the procession routes to assist in traffic management, public safety and emergency response operations of the city government and other government agencies.

The MMDA contingent will come from the Traffic Discipline Office, Road Emergency Group, Public Safety Division, Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group, and the Metro Parkways Clearing Group, which will conduct a massive cleanup on the procession routes right after the procession passed through.

The agency will also install emergency response tents and plastic barriers for the queue to the traditional Pahalik at the Quirino Grandstand on January 7.

The Pasig River Ferry System will extend its operating hours on January 9 to provide an alternative mode of transportation for devotees who will participate in the procession of the Black Nazarene.

The MMDA said the first trip from Guadalupe to Escolta will start at 5:30a.m. while the last trips from Escolta to Guadalupe station will be at 7p.m. during the special run of the ferry service.

Furthermore, at least two ferry boats will also be on standby near Jones Bridge to respond to emergency situations.

Gwapotel, a budget hotel managed by the MMDA, will also be offering a 20 percent discount to all Black Nazarene devotees going to the establishment starting January 7 until January 9.

The MMDA is advising motorists to avoid Manila as much as possible because several roads will have to be temporarily closed to traffic for the procession. (PNA)

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