18,000 expected at Jaro Fiesta; traffic advisory issued

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor and Jennifer P. Rendon

Around 18,000 revelers and devotees are expected to attend the Feast of Our Lady of the Candles in Jaro on Sunday, Feb. 2, prompting traffic authorities to warn motorists and commuters of heavy traffic and expanded road closures around Jaro Plaza.

Traffic and Transportation Management Office head Uldarico Garbanzos said road closures this year will be more extensive, with several streets around Jaro Plaza closed for the entire day to accommodate religious activities and food kiosks.

Traffic rerouting and regulations will take effect starting 3 a.m. on Feb. 2, Garbanzos said, urging the public to plan trips early and use alternate routes.

In the afternoon, a religious procession will start at Jaro Plaza and pass along Rizal Street in front of the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral before proceeding to E. Lopez Street.

The procession will then turn left to Commission Civil Street, continue toward Lopez Jaena Street, turn left to Fajardo Street, then left to Libertad Street, before returning to Jaro Plaza.

The TTMO said full road closures will be implemented along Rizal Street surrounding Jaro Plaza and portions of Libertad, Fajardo, Lopez Jaena, Simon Ledesma, Commission Civil and E. Lopez streets.

“There are many challenges because we see that there is a lot of traffic impact around the Jaro Plaza,” Garbanzos said.

He said first- and second-shift personnel will be deployed until the end of the festivities, with enforcement and clearing teams, as well as the tricycle regulation team, mobilized.

“All in all, there will be around 150 personnel that we will utilize for traffic management for the whole duration of the fiesta,” Garbanzos said.

Clamping operations will also be enforced in the Jaro area despite the celebrations, targeting double parking and vehicles parked in designated no-parking zones, particularly along rerouting roads.

“We will initiate clamping operations as a lesson learned for motorists,” Garbanzos said.

He appealed to residents and motorists without urgent business in Jaro Proper to avoid the area to help ease congestion.

Meanwhile, the Public Order and Safety Management Office will deploy 60 personnel to support anti-criminality operations, prevent street crimes and man green guard posts around Jaro Plaza.

The Iloilo City Police Office will deploy about 149 personnel for area security and traffic route management, with an additional 100 officers requested from the regional headquarters to augment peace and order operations during the festival.

Col. Wilbert Parilla, ICPO officer in charge, said police personnel will be stationed at the advanced command post, inside the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, around Jaro Plaza, at perimeter security areas, pedestrian screening areas, and for mobile, motorcycle and covert patrols.

“As we honor Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, we call on everyone to cooperate with authorities so we can all enjoy a peaceful, safe and secure Jaro Fiesta 2026,” Parilla said.

He added that police personnel are already in place and fully prepared to protect devotees, residents and visitors.

Pedestrian screening areas and police assistance desks will also be set up, similar to those implemented during the Dinagyang Festival, according to the ICPO.

The Feast of Our Lady of the Candles, also known as the Jaro Fiesta, is one of Iloilo City’s major religious celebrations, drawing thousands of devotees annually to Jaro Plaza for masses, processions and cultural activities.

For police assistance, the public may dial 911, visit the nearest police station, or contact ICPO hotlines at 0908-377-0194 and 335-0299.