MANILA, Philippines - The visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines so far has went as scheduled and planned, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Friday.
“Walang untoward incident although may rain ng konti pero drizzle lang. Everything went as scheduled and planned similar to what happened [Thursday night],” said MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino.
During the second day of his five-day visit- the Pope went to Malacanang and said Mass at the Manila Cathedral. He was also meeting with families at the SM Mall of Asia.
On Saturday, the Pope will visit Tacloban City and Palo in Leyte and will meet with survivors of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Tolentino said any changes in the activities of the Pope in Leyte would depend on the effects of storm Amang.
“May 90 percent chance na umulan doon bukas,” said Tolentino.
Tolentino added that the Pope’s visit to the country also showcased his “pro-poor” heart.
“Nakikita natin iyong ano niya iyong talagang "Pro-poor" heart niya. Iyong binanggit niya sa speech niya sa Malacañang ay year of the poor. Tapos sa Cathedral parang may nabanggit din siyang tungkol doon,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tolentino reminded those attending the Papal Mass on Sunday at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park to bring with them raincoats in the event that it rains.
“Sa Sunday ay sinasabing uulan din. Kaya sa lahat ang advice natin ay magdala ng kapote. Huwag umbrella, kapote ha,” said Tolentino who also bought his own personal raincoat.
Tolentino also advised the elderly and persons with disabilities who will be attending the Mass on Sunday to be accompanied by able-bodied relatives. Tolentino reminded Mass attendees that the only entrance to the Quirino Grandstand Mass area would be at Maria Orosa St.
“Dapat talaga diyan may kasama kang able-bodied relative na mag-aakay sa inyo,” he said.
Tolentino said Mass attendees would be gathered in the 26 quadrants in the Mass area. Each quadrant could accommodate 5,000 people and each quadrant has own portalets, water dispensers and medical teams.
Meanwhile, for the duration of the Papal visit to the country, the MMDA has mobilized the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) and was able to activate 4,191 emergency response personnel, 66 ambulances, 27 fire trucks and 25 various other types of emergency vehicles to include trucks, vans and motorcycles.
“All DRRMCs (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils) in the NCR are now activated,” said Tolentino.
Based on the MMDA’s monitoring, as of 9 a.m. Friday, there were 17 reported medical emergency cases related to the Papal visit. The reported incidents were mostly cases of fainting, dizziness, abrasions, vehicle accidents, fever and one case of mild stroke. - with Jona Espejo