Devotees on Friday were allowed again to kiss the image of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church with the return of the traditional "Pahalik", two years since the COVID-19 pandemic started.
Church administrators revived the tradition in time for the Holy Week after the government extended COVID-19 Alert Level 1 in Metro Manila.
"Sa muling pagbubukas ng Pahalik, ang pagsunod sa mga health protocols ay mahigpit na ipinatutupad sa tulong ng ating mga Ministry/Organization na nangangasiwa sa pagpila ng mga deboto," Quiapo Church administrators said in a Facebook post.
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Before the pandemic, devotees traditionally flocked to Quiapo on Fridays to kiss the image of the Black Nazarene, believing in its miraculous powers.
While Quiapo Church has allowed the tradition again, the Department of Health reminded Filipinos that doing so could cause the spread of COVID-19.
"Nag-aadvise po tayo sa ating mga kababayan na kung maiiwasan naman po ang paghalik sa mga Poon," DOH Usec. Rosario Vergeire said Friday.
Filipinos who will join the "Pahalik" are advised to wear face masks, wash their hands before and after touching the image, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
The return of the "Pahalik" comes as Filipinos prepare to mark their first Holy Week outside of their homes since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020.
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