House bill seeks to declare January 9 a special non-working holiday to celebrate Feast of Black Nazarene

A House bill has been filed declaring January 9 of every year a special non-working holiday nationwide in celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

House Bill 8812, filed by Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas on Monday also seeks to institutionalize the coordination of different government agencies to ensure peace, order and safety of the participants in the activities during the celebration.

Vargas, in his explanatory note, said the Feast of the Black Nazarene is one pf the biggest religious celebrations in the Philippines, whose main event, the Traslacion, is being conducted not only in Manila but also in other parts of the country such as in Cagayan De Oro, Samar and other provinces.

"In light of the importance of this occasion to many of our countrymen, it is imperative that January 9 of every year be declared as a special non-working holiday to commemorate the Feast of the Black Nazarene," he said.

The bill likewise seeks to ensure the smooth coordination between the public sectors to maintain peace and order and ensure the safety of the participants.

If enacted, the bill would enjoin the several national government agencies to extend the necessary assistance in the conduct of the Traslacion and other related events during the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Local government units where a similar event to the Traslacion is conducted are also enjoined to extend assistance to the annual celebration. —LDF, GMA News