Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has banned street parties, stage shows, parades, street games, and other similar activities during the celebration of the Feast of Sto. Niño in Tondo and Pandacan on January 16 and 17.
Domagoso signed Monday an executive order prohibiting the said activities in light of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“The activities during the fiesta celebration, if not regulated, can be surely an easy medium of COVID-19 spread and transmission thereby endangering the health, well-being and safety not only of residents in the said area but also to their guests and visitors who will join them in the celebration,” the order, released on Tuesday, read.
“There is therefore a compelling need for the City to provide stringent guidelines and regulations not only to avoid the fear envisioned above but also in order not to put in vain all initiatives the City had undertaken the entire duration of this pandemic,” it added.
Salu-salo, Lakbayaw, dancing and singing along streets, beauty pageants, talent shows, stage plays, and sports competitions are among some of the activities covered by the ban.
A liquor ban will also be enforced on January 16 and 17. Curfew hours will also be strictly observed.
Barangay officials and elements of the police will be deployed to ensure the proper implementation of the order.
The order comes after the city celebrated the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9 that was attended by up to 500,000 devotees.
Some criticized the event, saying that it may be a COVID-19 “superspreader” event. However, Domagoso insisted that the Traslacion was held in a peaceful and orderly manner with minimum health protocols being observed.
