Manila suspends classes, work on Jan. 9 for Nazareno 2023

The Manila City government on Wednesday announced the suspension of classes at all levels and local government work for the Black Nazarene Feast on January 9, 2023.

In an executive order, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said that “classes in all levels in Manila City for both public and private schools, whether online or in-person, be suspended on January 9, 2023.”

Lacuna noted that private businesses are likewise strongly encouraged to suspend work on January 9 for the welfare of their employees in the absence of any declaration from the Office of the President for the said date to be a non-working special local holiday.

However, the suspension of work in the national government offices and private companies in Manila will depend on the discretion of their management.

Liquor ban

In addition, the city will also strictly implement City Ordinance No. 5555, which prohibits drinking liquor and other alcoholic beverages in public places such as streets and alleys from January 7 to 9.

“Whereas, in order to promote peace and order during the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, it is necessary to prohibit the sale of liquor and other alcoholic beverages within the Quiapo area particularly in all barangays within the parish of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene,” it said.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News