Jesus Nazareno devotees flock to Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in  Quiapo, Manila to have replicas and banners of the image blessed on January 2, 2025 as they pass under the foot bridge outside the church. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- While the event is called "pahalik" (kissing), the faithful are discouraged from directly kissing the image of Jesus Nazareno at Quirino Grandstand, in compliance with health protocols.

Nazareno 2025 Feast Adviser Alex Irasga said devotees should sanitize their hands before touching the image, and, instead of kissing it, the public is advised to use a towel or handkerchief to wipe the image to avoid the spread of viruses or illnesses.

Those attending the events are also encouraged to wear face masks and be aware of the locations of health and rescue teams for emergencies, Irasga added. 

READ: Church, authorities all set for 'Pahalik' at Quirino Grandstand ahead of Jesus Nazareno feast

"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 told reporters. 

(In connection with the pahalik protocols, we remind everyone to sanitize before touching the image, wipe with a handkerchief, and avoid kissing it.)

"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," Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna added.

(We continue to encourage hand washing, sanitizing, and, if possible, wearing face masks.)

The pahalik is a symbolic act of veneration, gratitude, and petition for miracles, and is part of the Nazareno feast.

The event will take place from January 7 to 9 at the Quirino Grandstand, typically drawing millions of devotees.

WATCH: A day before the 'Pahalik' of Jesus Nazareno

DOH ON ALERT

The Department of Health (DOH) is also monitoring health concerns abroad, particularly respiratory illnesses, amid rising flu cases in China.

"Naka-antabay po tayo at kung sakali po, huwag naman sana, ay 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.

(We are on standby, and if any illness arises here, the DOH will issue an advisory to both the leadership of Quiapo Church and the public to ensure a safe celebration.)

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. 

Additionally, at least 20 health emergency response teams have been mobilized for the Traslacion, and referral hospitals are on alert.

"In any eventuality po, handa po ang inyong Kagawaran ng Kalusugan na magbigay ng serbisyong-medikal sa ating mga kababayan," Miranda said. 

"In any eventuality, the Department of Health is ready to provide medical assistance," Miranda said.

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