A silkscreen printing helper prepares T-shirts printed with the image of the Black Nazarene in preparation for the feast in Quiapo and procession on Saturday. (Photo by KJ ROSALES)

The Manila Police District (MPD) is now gearing up for yet another big event after the New Year's Day festivities as Quiapo will again be a venue for millions of devotees who will celebrate the 403rd year of the feast of the Black Nazarene on Saturday, Jan. 9.

MPD Station 3 commander, Supt. Ernesto Tendero said they hope this year's procession will be more organized.

He said they encountered a problem last year when the devotees tried to pull the carriage bearing the image of the Black Nazarene to different positions as some thought they were using the old route while others were following the new route.

This year, to solve the problem, Tendero said they will stick to the old route, which he believes will make the procession go more smoothly.

To ease the "frenzy" of many devotees who want to touch the religious icon, authorities have decided to allot more time for a public viewing of the revered image.

The image will be transported to the Luneta Park on Jan. 8 for an overnight vigil.

This will be the starting point of the procession which begins at 8 a.m. the following day.

Some 1,000 policemen will be on hand to provide security and ensure the orderliness of the procession.

Also, closed circuit television as well as Global Positioning System will be utilized to further improve the police options for maintaining order during the procession.

The Black Nazarene feast is considered one of the country’s most spectacular religious events.

Every year millions of devotees from all walks of life come to Quiapo to take part in the procession as a way of strengthening their faith or fulfilling their “panata” to God. The devotees believe that through their faith in the Black Nazarene, there will be peace, harmony, long life, good health, prosperity, joy and love in their family and community and also deliverance from calamities and disasters.

The Black Nazarene is the patron saint of Quiapo and has been housed at the Saint John de Baptist Church in Quiapo, Manila also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, since 1787. The image of the Black Nazarene is brought out in procession twice a year -- on its feast day and Good Friday.