ILOILO City – Anticipating massive crowds, road closures, and heavy traffic during today’s the feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, the Iloilo City government has ordered the suspension of all face-to-face classes at all levels in Jaro District, citing public safety concerns and severe congestion expected around Jaro Plaza and nearby streets .
Mayor Raisa Treñas issued Executive Order No. 012, Series of 2026, following recommendations from the city’s traffic authorities, who warned that the February 2 celebration would significantly restrict mobility in the district as thousands of devotees converge at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, one of Western Visayas’ major pilgrimage sites.
“This decision is primarily aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of students, teachers, and local residents during one of the city’s most important religious celebrations,” the city government said.
Based on historical data from the Iloilo City Traffic Management Office, the Candelaria fiesta in previous years have drawn close to 10,000 devotees, with similar turnout expected this year. The volume of attendees typically results in extensive crowding and limited access to surrounding roads.
Authorities are encouraging the public to opt for public utility jeepneys and walking instead of bringing private vehicles.
In a January 30, 2026 letter, Retired Police Colonel Uldarico Garbanzos, head of the Traffic and Transportation Management Office, recommended the class suspension due to the planned closure of major streets around Jaro Plaza, including Rizal Street, portions of E. Lopez, M. Jaime, Commission Civil, Fajardo, Lopez Jaena, Simon Ledesma, and Libertad Streets, as well as key connecting thoroughfares.
Under the executive order, all public and private schools within Jaro district are required to halt in-person classes today and shift to Alternative Delivery Modes of Instruction (ADM), including remote or modular learning.
School heads outside Jaro District whose operations may be affected by traffic disruptions are also strongly encouraged to suspend face-to-face classes and adopt alternative learning arrangements.
“Our children’s education remains vital, but their well-being comes first, especially during a time when our city welcomes so many visitors,” Mayor Treñas said.
With several streets closed to vehicles, access to areas surrounding the church and plaza will be limited, making private transport impractical for those attending the religious celebration.
Parking availability in the area is also expected to be scarce due to the volume of people gathering for the event, prompting traffic managers to recommend public transport as a more convenient alternative.
Beyond easing congestion, reducing vehicle traffic is seen as a safety measure to prevent road obstructions and allow pedestrians to move freely, particularly during religious activities and processions.
The Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria commemorates the presentation of the Child Jesus in the temple and is traditionally marked by the blessing of candles, symbolizing light, faith, and renewal. The venerated image enshrined at the Jaro Cathedral was canonically crowned by Pope John Paul II during his 1981 visit to Iloilo, a milestone often cited as a source of regional pride. The cathedral has since been declared a national shrine.
Meanwhile, the suspension of work in government offices and private establishments today has been left to the discretion of agency heads and business owners./PN
