LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – At least a million devotees, pilgrims, and tourists are expected to flock to Naga City for the fluvial procession of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Divino Rostro on Saturday, September 16.
The Joint Operations Center for the Peñafrancia Festival 2023 is expecting a huge crowd this year compared to last year after government loosened Covid-19 restrictions.
Last week’s Traslacion or transfer of image of the Bicol patroness have drawn an estimated crowd of 950,000 as per the Joint Operations Center assessment.The Police Regional Office-5 has deployed at least 2,316 police personnel to man security and traffic in the Peñafrancia festivity. "A total of 2,316 dedicated personnel were deployed to oversee the various activities and festivities scheduled throughout the month. This deployment includes personnel from different police provincial offices, individuals undergoing mandatory and service training, as well as the Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the Regional Special Training Unit," Police Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said.
The Philippine National Railways is giving"Libreng Sakay" for Persons with Disabilities and senior citizens going to and from Naga City for the event.“Ayon kay Department of Transportation-Philippines Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, ang Philippine National Railways ay maghahandog ng libreng sakay para sa mga senior citizens at persons with disabilities bilang pakikiisa sa pagdiriwang ng Peñafrancia Festival 2023,” the DOTr said.