A Quiapo Church official expects an increase in the number of devotees participating in the 10-day Feast of the Jesus Nazareno, including the Traslacion or grand procession, on Friday.

Nazareno 2026 spokesperson Fr. Robert Arellano said that while there is no specific estimate, attendance at activities in Quiapo Church and the Quirino Grandstand is expected to be higher than in 2025.

“We don’t have a specific number, but the Church is ready to receive millions of devotees who wish to celebrate with us,” Arellano said during a press conference on Wednesday.

Based on experience, he added, attendance continues to rise.

In 2025, about 8.4 million devotees participated in the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno from Dec. 31, 2024, the start of the Novena Masses, until Jan. 9, 2025.

“We saw a record number of devotees during the 10-day festivities,” Arellano said, stressing that the Church is not concerned whether attendance increases or decreases.

“The effectiveness of prayer is not measured by being in Quiapo Church or at the Quirino Grandstand. The Lord knows what is in our hearts,” he said.

Arellano added that being a true devotee is not defined by physical presence alone, especially if church rules are not respected, noting that sincere prayer at home is also meaningful.

Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has certified as safe the major bridges along the Traslacion route.

He said the certification followed a formal request by the city government for inspections of bridges in Manila.

Moreno said the City Engineering Office confirmed that the DPWH has issued the certification.

According to the DPWH – National Capital Region, Quezon Bridge, Carlos Palanca Bridge, Ayala Bridge, and Arlegui Bridge 1 were assessed based on the 2025 Road and Bridge Inventory and Assessment and were rated in “fair” condition.

The DPWH said railings and barricades on the bridges are properly installed and secured, with no obstructions on bridge decks and pedestrian pathways that could pose safety risks.

For Quezon Bridge, the DPWH noted that rehabilitation works are ongoing, including the installation of temporary shoring to support the structure, and are being managed in accordance with safety and engineering standards.

The DPWH said it has “no objection” to the use of the four bridges during the Traslacion, provided that no vehicles are allowed along the route during the procession. (PNA)