Large crowds of Catholic devotees have started arriving at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan, while authorities tighten traffic and security measures ahead of the Holy Week peak.

Local officials said the number of visitors was higher than expected despite the ongoing economic challenges, with the influx beginning on Palm Sunday.

“700 to 800,000 ang nagagawi dito and even for the Easter Sunday kaya ito po’y inaasahan na magpaparehas din kasi nga it’s their faith,” Manaoag Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario said.

To ease heavy traffic, parts of roads in Barangay Poblacion will be temporarily closed, while trucks will be banned from passing through the town from April 1 to April 5.

“Kasi based on the previous years, despite implementing truck ban ay may mga nakakalusot pa rin na maraming trailer trucks, so ‘yun po ‘yung nagiging dahilan ng sikip ng trapiko dito sa gitna,” Rosario said.

Authorities have also set up a security plan, especially for pilgrims expected to join the traditional “alay-lakad” from nearby provinces.

“Magkakaroon ng command center dito lang sa harapan ng monumento ni Apolinario Mabini… mayroon ding clinic at mga responders kasama rin ang BFP at PNP,” Rosario added.

In Mangaldan, officials are also preparing for an influx of churchgoers at the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Church.

Traffic enforcers and police personnel have been deployed in key areas to ensure order and safety.

“Sa central business district ng Mangaldan ay mayroon na nakatalaga at nagdagdag kami ng 1 hanggang 2 traffic enforcers,” POSO chief Gerry Ydia said.