By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his solidarity with the Filipino Catholic community as the annual Feast of Jesus Nazareno is being commemorated with the grand procession of the religious image on Friday.
In his message, the President wished for a “safe, solemn, and meaningful observance” of the Traslacion, which began around 3:58 a.m. when the andas (carriage) left Quirino Grandstand and is now en route to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo.
He noted how devotees express their faith or “panata” through sacrifice, perseverance, and solidarity—reflection of the suffering of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno, knee bent under the weight of a heavy cross.
“By listening to their hopes, aspirations, and prayers, we come to see the gap between the burdens people carry and the support they receive, and recognize where wiser governance and more responsive services can help bridge that distance,” Marcos Jr. said.
The Chief Executive likewise encouraged Filipinos to let their devotion guide the way they “think, act, and help one another” long after the procession has passed.
“May this celebration deepen our shared vow to carry one another’s burdens, share opportunity more fairly, and keep hope alive in the everyday choices that we make to build a more humane and faithful Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.
Marcos Jr. earlier declared January 9, 2026 a special non-working day in the City of Manila to ensure the orderly observance of Nazareno 2026, as millions of devotees are expected to join the Traslacion.
As of 10:30 a.m., the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office – Innovation Integrated GIS and Data Hub reported that the crowd estimate for this year’s procession has reached 223,700 at Ayala Boulevard going to Ayala Bridge.
-jpv
