Less than a month before Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Philippines, Malacañang said preparations for the five-day papal visit in January next year are in full swing.
“Lahat po ng nararapat ay ginagawa para maihanda ang mga pasilidad, kabilang na ang imprastruktura, para sa pagdating ng Kanyang Kabanalan, Santo Papa, Pope Francis,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said on Sunday in an interview aired at dzRB.
Coloma said that infrastructure that will be used during Pope Francis’ visit in Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte are the “highest priority.” This includes the Tacloban airport, and the national highway from Tacloban to Palo.
Coloma assured that electricity during the Pope’s visit will be stable.
The pope will be at 11 venues in Manila and Leyte during his visit to the Philippines from January 15 to January 19.
The Presidential Communications Operations Office chief reminded the public to be disciplined during the papal visit. In particular, Coloma called on motorists to help ease traffic in the metro while the pope is in Manila.
“Hinggil diyan sa pagdalaw ng Santo Papa, ‘yon pong kanyang pananaw na kinakailangang magpakita po tayo ng disiplina sa pagsalubong sa mahal na Santo Papa. Ito ay maaari nating maipakita sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa ating mga road traffic enforcers na nagpapatupad ng mga patakaran para sa public safety and order,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Palace kept mum on the proposed five-day holiday during the papal visit.
