MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday said the stories and prayers of devotees of the Black Nazarene underscore the need for wiser and more responsive governance, as millions of Filipinos continue to grapple with daily hardships.
In his message for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, Marcos reflected on the annual Traslacion as a powerful display of sacrifice, perseverance, and solidarity — values he said continue to sustain Filipino families and communities.
He described the devotion as a reminder that faith is lived through struggle, noting how devotees walk barefoot, endure long hours, and brave crowded streets while carrying hopes for a better future.
By listening to these stories, Marcos said leaders are confronted with the gap between the burdens citizens bear and the support they receive, highlighting areas where government services must improve.
He urged Filipinos to bring the values symbolized by the devotion beyond the procession and into everyday life, calling for compassion, shared responsibility, and service to others.
The President also expressed hope that the celebration would strengthen unity and promote fairer access to opportunities, stressing that perseverance should extend to daily choices such as valuing honesty over self-interest and compassion over indifference.
Marcos declared January 9, 2026 a special non-working day in Manila to allow the orderly observance of the feast, as millions of devotees were expected to visit Quiapo Church.
Meanwhile, Balanga Bishop Rufino Sescon, in his homily during the Misa Mayor, called on public officials facing corruption allegations to step down from office, citing issues surrounding flood control projects.
Drawing from the 2026 Nazareno theme, Sescon said true leadership sometimes means voluntarily stepping aside for the good of the people, adding that humility and accountability are expressions of genuine care for the nation.