THE Manaoag local government is ready to receive the expected thousands of tourists and devotees this week with its security plans and traffic schemes in place to ensure smooth traffic and their safety this Holy Week.

The town’s prime pilgrimage spot, the Minor Basilica, is being visited by 55,000 tourists on average weekly and the number is expected to triple with the traditional activities during the Holy Week, including Alay Lakad.

Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario told local media that series of coordination meetings with government agencies and the clergy made the town more prepared this year.

Aside from the local police force, Rosario said the Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other Non-government Organizations (NGOs) and other force multipliers have pledged to assist in the peace and order plans.

Rosario said he will issue an executive order banning the entry of certain vehicles during the Holy Week to further minimize the impact of expected heavy volume of vehicles entering the town.

Rerouting of traffic will also be implemented to make room for more parking spaces while four ambulances will be deployed around the Minor Basilica.

The town’s emergency response team, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Rural Health Unit (RHU), and local police, will be on red alert status.

Meanwhile, Rosario urged persons doing the Alay Lakad to wear face masks particularly inside church premises. (Ahikam Pasion)

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