MANILA — Nine streets in Pandacan, Manila, have been temporarily closed in preparation for the Feast of Sto. Niño, set to take place this Sunday, January 19.

The Manila Public Information Office (MPIO) announced that the closures began at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday and will continue through the weekend. The closures are part of the city’s efforts to accommodate the expected influx of devotees and ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic during the religious observance.

The following streets are affected:

Jesus St.-Palumpong St. (Quirino Ave. to Beata St.)

Hilum St. (Teodoro San Luis St. to Beata St.)

Beata St. (Hilum St. to T. Claudio St.)

E. Zamora St. (Quirino Ave. to Hilum St.)

Laura St. (Menandro to Beata St.)

Labores St. (Paco-Sta. Mesa Rd. to Jesus St.)

Narciso St. (Jesus St. to Hilum St.)

Industria St. (Jesus St. to Hilum St.)

Teodoro San Luis St. (Jesus St. to Hilum St.)

In addition to the closures, traffic rerouting will be implemented in the area. Drivers coming from the Mabini Bridge (Nagtahan) are advised to proceed to Quirino Avenue. Vehicles traveling from Paco-Sta. Mesa Bridge, heading towards Beata, Palumpong, or Laura Streets, should also use Quirino Avenue.

Motorists coming from Paz M. Guazon Street are advised to turn left to Mabini Bridge or right to Quirino Avenue. Those traveling from Dr. M.L. Carreon Street and heading towards Menandro Street are urged to take alternate routes such as Laura Street, Paco-Sta. Mesa Road, or Tomas Claudio Street.

The Feast of Sto. Niño, celebrated on the third Sunday of January, is one of the most important religious events in the districts of Tondo and Pandacan. Devotees gather to honor the Holy Child Jesus, often bringing their own Sto. Niño statues and participating in lively processions.

Local authorities are advising residents and visitors to plan their travel accordingly and to follow traffic regulations to ensure a safe and orderly celebration of the event.

ia/mnm