Serving during the Traslacion is a rare honor that carries immense responsibility, Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said as he sent off police officers, firefighters, first responders, and medical teams ahead of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Domagoso delivered the message during a troop send-off at the Quirino Grandstand on Wednesday afternoon, January 7, as the city finalized security and safety preparations for the January 9 procession expected to draw millions of devotees.
“It is a great honor. Not everyone will be given a chance to be of service to the people,” Domagoso told assembled safety and security personnel, including police officers, firefighters, emergency medical teams, disaster response units, and other uniformed and civilian personnel deployed for the Traslacion.
The Mayor said the deployment reflects the trust placed on uniformed services and responders to protect devotees during one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.
“Habang tayo’y naglilingkod sa mamamayan, bilang kawani ng pamahalaan ay meron din kayong obligasyon sa inyong mga sarili—na pangalagaan ang inyong kaligtasan,” he said.
Domagoso reminded personnel that public service must also include safeguarding their own health and well-being, noting that their families and loved ones are waiting for them after their duty.
“May mga mahal kayo sa buhay na nag-aantay sa inyo, kaya huwag kayong magpapabaya sa inyong sarili,” the Mayor reminded first responders.
The Mayor also thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for allowing the City of Manila to access national government logistics and resources, calling the effort a unified response to the Church’s call for a solemn, safe, and peaceful Traslacion.
“On behalf of the people of Manila, I would like to thank our Commander-in-Chief, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., for allowing the City of Manila to access all national government logistics and resources to ensure a solemn, safe, and peaceful Traslacion 2026,” Domagoso said.
“This is an opportunity to showcase our discipline and fulfill our obligation to the people,” he added, as he urged safety forces to serve as models of professionalism and compassion during the Traslacion.
