Navigating Traffic Challenges: Antipolo City Braces for Religious Events Leading to Shrine Elevation

 Antipolo City Warns Public of Traffic Congestion Amidst Religious Celebrations

The Antipolo City government issued a public advisory on Wednesday, cautioning residents about anticipated heavy traffic in certain downtown routes due to a series of religious events leading up to the elevation of the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage to an international shrine" on January 26.

Mayor Casimiro Ynares III, in an online travel advisory, informed the public about daily Marian processions originating from the Antipolo Cathedral and traversing key roads in the city from January 17 to 25. The processions, expected to attract thousands of devotees and tourists, are likely to contribute to traffic congestion in affected areas after 6 p.m. throughout the nine-day religious celebration.

Motorists were advised to steer clear of roads such as M.L. Quezon, Sumulong, Lawis, and Sto. Niño streets, which are the main city roads and the focus of the processions featuring replica images of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Virgin of Antipolo), a 17th-century Roman Catholic wooden image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Simultaneously, an exhibit showcasing various replica images of the Virgin of Antipolo was launched at Robinsons Mall on Tuesday to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Antipolo Church's declaration as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. Rev. Fr. Reynante Tolentino, shrine rector and parish administrator of the Antipolo Cathedral, noted that the exhibit highlights the profound devotion of countless devotees to the Blessed Virgin of Antipolo. The Antipolo City Culture, Arts, and Tourism Promotions Office is actively promoting the exhibit.