The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Manila City government yesterday conducted joint clearing along the route of the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene in the streets of Manila.

MMDA acting chairman Atty. Don Artes said the operations, led by the MMDA Special Operations Group-Strike Force and Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau, are to ensure no obstructions will hamper the annual procession of the Black Nazarene on 9 January which is expected to draw millions of participants. 

"Clearing operations are part of the government's preparations so that routes are passable and obstruction-free for the safety and security of the devotees that would participate in the procession," Artes said.  

MMDA Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez and SOG-SF Officer in Charge Gabriel Go said the operations are in coordination with the Manila City local government. MTPB chief of operations Wilson Chan said they have been relentless in the clearing operations, not just because of the procession. 

Illegally-parked vehicles, electric tricycles and other obstructions have been removed along the route of the Traslacion:  some roads are part of Mabuhay Lanes. A total of 58 vehicles were apprehended while 22 were towed for illegal parking during the clearing operations.

Meanwhile, Artes said the agency is all set to provide traffic and emergency assistance before, during, and after the activities for the feast of the Black Nazarene, including the Pahalik or kissing of the image at the Quirino Grandstand which starts on 6 January.

"A total of 850 personnel will be deployed to assist in traffic management, public safety, maintenance of peace and order, emergency response operations, and clearing operations," Artes said.

The following MMDA offices will participate with their corresponding taskings:

• MMDA Traffic Discipline Office shall be in charge of the traffic management on the designated routes, alternate routes.

• MMDA Road Safety Unit/ Traffic Engineering Center shall be in charge of the installation and placement of fences and plastic barriers at the Luneta Parade Ground for the Pahalik and along the route of the procession and management of the signalized intersections.

• MMDA Metro Parkways Clearing Group shall be in charge of the cleanliness and tidiness of the vicinity of Quirino Grandstand and the roads along the procession route; as well as installation of see-through fences and the provision of portalets at the Quirino Grandstand.

Ambulances, road emergency vehicles, traffic mobile cars, and necessary equipment will also be dispatched in critical areas for the duration of the religious festivity.  Monitoring and communication equipment will also be set up in command centers.

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 route is as follows: start at the Quirino Grandstand, turn right to Katigbak Drive (left side), right to Padre Burgos Street through Finance Road, go straight to Ayala Bridge, left to Palanca Street, 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 Street through under Quezon Bridge, right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church.