MANILA – Devotees of the Black Nazarene were told not to directly kiss the image of Jesus Nazareno during the traditional pahalik at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila City.
According to Nazareno 2025 Feast adviser Alex Irasga, devotees should sanitize their hands before touching the image, and, instead of kissing it, use a towel or handkerchief to wipe the image in compliance with health protocols.
“Kaugnay po ng pagpupugay o pahalik protocols, minsan pa naming ipinapaaala ang nakagisnan na po nating mag-sanitize bago po humawak sa ating imahen, magpahid ng panyo at sana ay iwasan na ang paghalik,” Irasga said.
He added: “Patuloy pa rin po sana na ipatutupad natin ‘yong handwashing, sanitizing, at kung maari po, kung hindi naman sagabal ay ang paggamit po ng facemask.”
The pahalik, which began on Tuesday and will run until January 9, is a symbolic act of veneration, gratitude, and petition for miracles, and is part of the Nazareno feast.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) stated they were also monitoring health concerns abroad, particularly respiratory illnesses, amid rising flu cases in China.
“Naka-antabay po tayo at kung sakali po, huwag naman sanay magkaroon ng karamdaman dito sa ating bansa. Magpapahayag po ang Department of Health at magbibigay-abiso, hindi lang po sa pamunuan ng Quiapo Church kundi sa ating mamamayan para mas maging ligtas ang ating selebrasyon,” said Dr. Irvin Miranda of the DOH.
Miranda said the DOH has raised the code white alert for Metro Manila, as well as Central Luzon and Calabarzon regions to respond to any eventuality.
“In any eventuality po, handa po ang inyong Kagawaran ng Kalusugan na magbigay ng serbisyong-medikal sa ating mga kababayan,” Miranda said./PN
