Authorities are preparing for the arrival of 15,000 to 18,000 devotees and pilgrims in Jaro district, Iloilo City, on Monday, February 2, for the annual feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.
Public Order and Safety Management Office (POSMO) and Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) chief Uldarico Garbanzos said preparations for this year’s event have been intensified.
The religious feast will also coincide with the anniversary of Ang Dios Gugma, which is expected to draw additional crowds to Jaro Plaza.
“Madamo gid sang mga deboto ang naga-kadto sa Jaro, gani kinahanglan gid ang husto nga pagpanghanda para sa ila kasiguruhan,” Garbanzos said.
Road closures around Jaro Plaza will be implemented from early morning until 8 p.m., following a request from the Association of Barangay Captains in Jaro.
The closures are intended to accommodate the procession and other religious activities.
The procession will start at Jaro Cathedral and pass through E. Lopez, M. Jaime, Commission Civil, Rizal Street at Jaro Plaza, Lopez Jaena, Fajardo, and Libertad before returning to the cathedral.
Streets near the route, including Jalandoni and connector roads in Commission Civil and Lopez Jaena, will also be closed to ensure a safe passage for devotees.
“We will implement full closure within the inner roads surrounding Jaro Plaza so the faithful can move freely and safely,” Garbanzos said.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) will deploy 149 personnel for area security, crowd control, traffic management, and monitoring during the event.
ICPO Deputy City Director for Administration Lt. Col. Lindley Barrientos said pedestrian screening areas and police assistance desks will be set up to address medical, safety, and security concerns during the celebration.
Authorities reminded devotees to observe security guidelines, remain alert, and cooperate with marshals and police as the city prepares for the arrival of thousands of faithful honoring the patroness of Western Visayas.IMT
