Repairs at Quirino Grandstand for Pope's visit to be completed next month

Repairs on the Quirino Grandstand in preparation for Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines in January will be completed next month, according to a report on GMA 7 news program "24 Oras" on Thursday.

 

The Pope will hold a mass at the Quirino Grandstand, where six million are expected to attend, including five representatives from each of 80 dioceses nationwide.

 

The government has allotted P20 million for the renovation of Quirino Grandstand which includes repair works for the back stage that will serve as the holding area for Pope Francis and for the VIP lobby for Vatican officials, the first family and other dignitaries.

 

Meanwhile, Fr. Anton Pascual, a member of the organizing committee for the Papal Visit, said the Church is "very satisfied with the preparations of the government in terms of security."

 

He, however, noted that Pope has asked Filipinos to donate to victims of calamities instead of spending it for the preparations.

 

"Ayaw ng Santo Papa na paggastusan  ng malaki... ang mas nais niya kung meron tayong mai-abuloy, ay ibigay natin sa biktima ng kalamidad," he said. — Kathryn Mae P. Tubadeza/JDS, GMA News