THE Manila city government announced Monday that work in local government offices and classes at all levels will be suspended on Friday, Jan. 9, in observance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
“In line with Executive Order No. 1, Series of 2026, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso suspends classes in all levels, both public and private, whether online or face-to-face, and work in government offices in the City of Manila on Jan. 9,” the Manila Public Information Office (MPIO) said in a social media post.
The MPIO clarified that frontline services—including peace and order, public services, traffic enforcement, disaster risk reduction, and health—will remain operational. Meanwhile, suspension of work in national government offices and private companies will depend on their respective management.
Organizers of Nazareno 2026 also reminded the public that the “pahalik” or kissing of the Black Nazarene image at Quirino Grandstand will start at 7 p.m. on Jan. 7, following a 6 p.m. Mass for volunteers and media members.
Millions of devotees are expected to join the annual celebration, which will culminate in the Traslacion procession, carrying the image from Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo.
