The Manila local government has stepped up its preparations for the upcoming Feast of Señor Sto. Niño, which will culminate on January 18, as it officially released the schedule of religious activities for the annual celebration at the Sto. Niño de Tondo Church.
To accommodate the expected influx of devotees, extensive cleaning and flushing operations were carried out around the church complex to ensure cleanliness and safety. The Manila Department of Engineering and Public Works (MDEPW) spearheaded the operations as part of the city’s comprehensive readiness plan.
In coordination with the Manila Police District (MPD), the city government also conducted clearing operations against illegal vendors, obstructions, and terminals along major routes leading to the church, particularly in areas connecting Tondo and Divisoria.
Ongoing infrastructure works include the repair of streetlights and utility lines, as well as the asphalt overlay of roads surrounding the church to ensure smoother traffic flow and safer procession routes throughout the festivities.
Security has been heightened, with MPD Station 2 deploying personnel around the Sto. Niño de Tondo Church. Police have also conducted route inspections in preparation for the scheduled religious processions to help ensure peace and order during the celebration.
According to the released schedule, activities will begin on January 16 with Ante-Vísperas, featuring Holy Masses from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. On January 17, Vísperas Mayores will include Holy Masses from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., followed by the Lakbayaw procession at 7:00 a.m. and afternoon activities from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The celebration will culminate on January 18, the feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo, with Holy Masses from 12:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., a dawn procession at 4:00 a.m., and an evening procession at 7:00 p.m. City officials urged devotees to observe discipline and cooperation as they gather to celebrate their faith.
