The city government of Manila is set to implement a traffic rerouting scheme in Quiapo on Saturday during the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Manila Police District (MPD) released a traffic advisory detailing the traffic scheme that will be implemented on Jan. 9.

Under the scheme, the following routes will be closed to traffic: Quirino Grandstand going to Katigbak Drive, P. Burgos, MacArthur Bridge; Palanca, Estero Cegado, Carriedo, Evangelista, Raon, Quezon Blvd., Globo de Oro, Gunao, Arlegui, Nepomuceno, Aguila, Carcer, Hidalgo, Plaza del Carmen, B. Viejo, G. Puyat, Guzman, Barbosa, Quezon Bridge, and Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church.

Motorists are advised to expect heavy traffic in areas during the procession of the Black Nazarene. These include the stretch of Roxas Blvd., Bonifacio Drive, Anda Circle, T.M. Kalaw, Quezon Blvd., Recto, Palanca, Taft Ave. westbound lane, Lagusnilad, P. Burgos, Villegas, N.A. Lopez, and 25th Street at Port Area.

Police said closure of roads to traffic will take effect prior to the approach of the procession to the areas.

From 5 a.m. onwards, the southbound of Quezon Blvd. from Andalucia, Fugoso to Plaza Miranda and the stretch of Lerma from P. Campa to Quezon Blvd. will be closed to traffic to all types of vehicles.

The rerouting plan directs all vehicles from Quezon City using España to turn right to P. Campa, left to Andalucia, right to Fugoso, and left to Mapua.

All public utility jeepneys and light vehicles coming from España bound for the Port Area are to turn left at Nicanor Reyes, right to Rector, straight to JAS, left to Reina Regente, take Jones Bridge, and right to Magallanes Drive.

Vehicles from northern Manila intending to use the southbound stretch of Bonifacio Drive shall turn right to Roberto Oca St., left to Delgado, left to Bonifacio Drive or turn right to A. Soriano, to Magallanes Drive, right to P. Burgos, straight to Lagusnilad and to Taft Ave.

All vehicles coming from southern Manila intending to use the northbound stretch of Roxas Blvd. from P. Ocampo to P. Burgos are to turn right at T.M. Kalaw and left to Taft Ave.

Those using northbound stretch of Taft Ave. are to turn right at A. Villegas and right to Quezon Bridge.

Motorists intending to proceed to northern and southern Manila are advised to use the stretch of Lacson to Nagtahan and vice-versa or utilize the stretch of Road 10 to Roxas Blvd.

Buses coming from southern Manila using Taft Avenue will be denied entry from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and they may only go as far as President Quirino and Remedios Street.

Meanwhile, Bro. Dominador Y. Deauna, president of Sacrament of Love Foundation, Inc. (SOLVEPHIL), said Wednesday the Feast of the Black Nazarene is an event which the Catholic faithful here and abroad look up to with full solemnity and devotion.

Deauna said the Black Nazarene is not only a miraculous image but also speaks well of the Gospel of the Lord which tells the Catholic faithful “To seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness to attain a fuller and more meaningful life.”

In moment of tribulations, to whom are we going to turn to if not to God?” Deauna asked.

It is providential, he added, that the Church dedicates this year in honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate. This year also commemorates the Patron Saint Jhon Ma. Vianny’s 150th death anniversary together with 100 Years Anniversary of the Holy Rosary Crusade of Fr. Patrick Peyton and Holy Rosary Praying Priests who popularized the slogan “The Family that Prays Together Stays Together” and “The World at Prayer is a World at Peace.”