Manila Mayor Maria Sheilah Lacuna-Pangan has taken proactive steps to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Sto. Niño feast procession in Tondo on Sunday. In a statement released on Saturday, Lacuna-Pangan directed all relevant city government departments, bureaus, and offices to fulfill their responsibilities in this regard.
To guarantee the safety of the participants and spectators, Lacuna-Pangan specifically discussed the deployment of an adequate number of uniformed personnel along the procession routes with newly promoted Manila Police Chief Director General Arnold Thomas Ibay. This measure aims to maintain order and manage the flow of the event effectively.
The Manila Police District promptly released a traffic advisory, resulting in the closure of several roads to vehicles to accommodate the “Lakbayaw” procession, which commenced on Saturday morning. This temporary arrangement allows for the smooth progress of the event and ensures the safety of all attendees.
In addition to the Manila Police District, other key entities such as the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), city hospitals, the City Engineer’s Office, and the Department of Public Services have been alerted to monitor the celebration closely. Their presence and preparedness contribute to a well-coordinated and secure event.
The Sto. Niño de Tondo feast is an annual celebration that takes place every third Sunday of January in Tondo. Devotees participate in a long walk, carrying statues and images of the Sto. Niño, as a tribute to the Holy Child Jesus. This event holds great religious significance for Filipino Catholics and is marked by processions, ati-atihan (street dancing), banner-waving, chanting of “Viva, Sto. Niño!” and a series of Eucharistic celebrations throughout the day.
To provide a deeper understanding of the historical context, Tondo, where the celebration takes place, was an ancient kingdom even before the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines. It was already known as a center of commerce and trade. The Laguna Copperplate Inscription, dating back to the 10th century, mentions Tondo and its influential leader. This rich history adds to the cultural significance of the Sto. Niño de Tondo feast.
The image of the child Jesus in Tondo holds great historical and religious value. It is the second-oldest image of the Sto. Niño in the Philippines, following the Sto. Niño de Cebu. Legend has it that the image originated in Acapulco, Mexico, and was given to the Augustinian priests who were assigned to Tondo.
While the feast is expected to attract a large number of Manileños, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has implemented security measures by suspending the issuance of permits to carry firearms outside of residences within the city of Manila. This temporary suspension, in effect from 12:01 a.m. on Saturday to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, aims to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone attending the event. Only members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties and wearing agency-prescribed uniforms are permitted to carry firearms.
By taking these proactive measures and coordinating efforts across various departments and agencies, Mayor Lacuna-Pangan and the city government of Manila are committed to ensuring a peaceful and orderly Sto. Niño feast procession in Tondo. This celebration of faith and culture holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos, and the city’s preparations reflect their dedication to preserving and honoring this cherished tradition.
Source: The Manila Times
