MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism has released a traffic and parking advisory in Intramuros amid the observance of Holy Week.
Thousands of devotees are expected to flock to the Walled City to conduct their Visita Iglesia — a traditional Catholic church pilgrimage during the Lenten Season.
Due to this, Tourism Secretary Corazon Wanda Tulfo-Teo has instructed Intramuros Administrator Guiller Asido to keep the foot and vehicular traffic inside the historic fortress orderly throughout the Holy Week commemoration.
“The Season of Lent draws not only a large number of pilgrims but also tourists and travelers alike. The DOT assures the public that Intramuros will be more than ready to welcome everyone during the Holy Week regardless of their denomination,” Teo said.
By 6 a.m. of April 13, Maundy Thursday, a rerouting scheme will be implemented. This scheme will be lifted on the midnight of April 15, Black Saturday.
The public is advised that General Luna street will be closed to vehicular traffic from Postigo to Sta. Potenciana streets. Suggested alternate routes for motorists are Cabildo, Magallanes Drive, Muralla, Andres Soriano streets.
Pilgrims who plan to visit Intramuros with vehicles may park in Andres Soriano Avenue and Magallanes drive. These designated parking areas will be open for parking on both sides.
On the other hand, DOT said that some portions of Sto. Tomas, Beaterio, Anda, Real, Sta. Potenciana, Arzobispo, Solana, and Sta. Lucia streets will be open for one side parking only.
The walled-city also have enclosed parking area located at Maestranza, Fort Santiago, and Postigo, while buses are directed to park at Bonifacio Drive. —Rosette Adel