Commentary
Nazareno 2026
Motorists heading to or passing through Manila this week should plan ahead as major road closures and traffic rerouting take effect for the 2026 Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The Manila City government, led by Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso, has rolled out traffic measures to manage the large crowds expected for Nazareno activities, including the Traslacion on January 9.
Early closures around Luneta
According to the Manila Public Information Office, partial road closures around Quirino Grandstand began on January 6 in connection with the Pahalik rites. Katigbak Parkway and South Road are limited to one lane, with the opposite lane reserved for vehicles bound for Manila Hotel and H2O Hotel. Portions of Independence Road are also temporarily closed.
Full closures ahead of the procession
Traffic disruptions are expected to intensify on the evening of January 8, ahead of the main procession from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
The city said full closures will be implemented progressively along key roads as the procession moves. These include Bonifacio Drive, Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Padre Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, Maria Orosa Street, Ayala Boulevard, Quezon Boulevard, Legarda Street, C. Palanca Street, Romualdez Street, Jones Bridge, and MacArthur Bridge.
Rerouting schemes in place
To ease congestion, authorities have set up detailed rerouting plans.
Southbound vehicles from Mel Lopez Boulevard or R-10 bound for Roxas Boulevard will be diverted through Capulong Street, Yuseco Street, and Lacson Avenue. Vehicles from España Boulevard heading to Quezon Boulevard will be rerouted via N. Reyes Street and C.M. Recto Avenue.
Northbound vehicles from Roxas Boulevard going toward Padre Burgos Avenue will be redirected through U.N. Avenue, P. Guanzon Street, and Mabini Bridge. Separate routes are assigned for trucks, trailers, and light vehicles, particularly near the procession route and port areas.
Traslacion route on January 9
The Traslacion will begin at dawn on Friday, January 9, at Quirino Grandstand. The procession will pass through Katigbak Drive, Padre Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, Ayala Bridge, Palanca Street, Quezon Boulevard, Arlegui Street, and several streets in the Quiapo area before ending at Quiapo Church.
With millions of devotees expected to join, authorities advised motorists to avoid Manila or postpone non essential travel on January 9.
City officials said the traffic measures aim to ensure public safety and maintain order during the religious events. Motorists are encouraged to monitor official advisories and plan alternative routes during the Nazareno festivities.
Honda Philippines Inc. has reinforced its road safety advocacy through activities held at Don Bosco Elementary School and Don Bosco National High School in Parañaque.
The initiative was led by the Honda Safety Driving Center through its Kids on Safety and Students on Safety programs. School officials and Honda representatives attended a short ceremony at the Don Bosco Elementary School basketball court to mark the activity.
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Honda Philippines Inc. in recognition of its continued support in promoting proper road behavior among students. School leaders and Honda officials said early education plays a key role in developing safer road habits.
The Kids on Safety session focused on younger learners. Students were introduced to basic road safety concepts such as pedestrian discipline, traffic sign recognition, safe commuting habits, and the importance of wearing protective gear. The session included a road safety film, an interactive discussion, and a push bike mini skills challenge. Participants wore helmets and protective pads as they applied what they learned.
In the afternoon, the program continued with Students on Safety for senior high school learners at Don Bosco National High School Parañaque. Around 180 students joined the seminar, which covered motorcycle safety, traffic signs, pedestrian awareness, defensive driving principles, and everyday road situations.
Honda Philippines Inc. said the programs reflect its goal of promoting road safety across different age groups. By working with schools, the company aims to help students develop practical knowledge and a safety-first mindset that they can carry beyond the classroom.
Maxim Rides & Food Delivery is adding more cheer to the holidays by rewarding its top-performing driver-partners through a nationwide Christmas program. The company placed Christmas trees in all its branches, each one decorated with wrapped gifts waiting for drivers who hit their order targets this season.
From November 1 to December 21, driver-partners who complete the required number of trips or deliveries will take home special rewards. The prizes range from practical home items to bigger-ticket surprises such as a brand-new motorcycle, a karaoke machine, a TV set, a refrigerator, and even commission-free periods. Some will also receive promo codes that give bonus pesos straight to their accounts.
Maxim President Andres Jr. Morales said the company wanted to give back to the people who keep the service running daily. He shared that thousands of customers rely on Maxim drivers to get to appointments on time and receive food and parcels without delays. Recognizing their year-round dedication, he said, felt especially meaningful during the Christmas rush.
All winners will be announced on December 25, with gifts delivered directly by the company. Beyond the prizes, Maxim says programs like this strengthen the bond between the brand and its driver community, motivating partners to push for better performance through shared support and appreciation.
The Swift Traffic Action Group (STAG) conducted clearing operations across several areas in Quezon City on Monday, targeting vehicles illegally parked along key roads.
The team patrolled the streets of Cambridge, Yale, Colombia, New York, and Oxford in Barangay E. Rodriguez, as well as parts of Barangay New Crame Society and 1st to 4th Avenue.
During the operation, STAG personnel recorded 18 and 16 violations using their body-worn cameras, while two vehicle owners were issued tickets on the spot. The activity aims to maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure compliance with city parking regulations.
