Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has ordered the suspension of classes and local government work on 9 January to mark the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The suspension, outlined in Executive Order 1, applies to all academic levels in both public and private schools, as well as city government offices. Essential frontline services — including health, disaster response, traffic enforcement, and public safety — will remain fully operational.
The Manila Public Information Office noted that the suspension of work for private companies and national government offices within the city remains at the discretion of their respective managements.
In a related development, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa announced Monday that the Department of Health (DoH) has placed all hospitals in the National Capital Region on Code White Alert.
Approximately 200 emergency medical personnel will be deployed to strategic stations along the route of the Traslacion, the massive procession of the 17th-century mahogany statue from the Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
“The deployment is already planned,” Herbosa said. “We will set off teams to ensure medical assistance is available for the influx of devotees.”
Security forces are also seeking stringent restrictions to manage the millions expected to attend. Philippine National Police Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office, has formally requested a liquor ban from the Manila city government.
Additionally, police have asked for a temporary suspension of permits to carry firearms from 8 to 10 January. Other proposed security measures include a “no-fly zone” over the procession route and signal disruptions for mobile communication in key areas.
Organizers of the 2026 festivities announced that the traditional pahalik, or the kissing of the image, will begin at the Quirino Grandstand at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 January. The activity follows a 6 p.m. Mass dedicated to volunteers and the media.
The annual celebration commemorates the 1767 transfer of the image from Luneta to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo. Last year’s event drew an estimated 8.12 million participants.