OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY     LOOKING DEEPER   The observance of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines of the procession of the Black Nazarene is considered as one of the most pious acts and religious devotion that the Catholic Filipino people could show to the world. Every 9th of January of every year, millions of devotees flock in Quiapo, Manila to witness the carousel carrying the image of the Black Nazarene passing through the streets with millions of people trying to get a chance to wipe their towels, handkerchiefs, etc. to the said statue for the belief and faith that the cloth that wiped the image would bring good luck and blessing. Others also believe that the said items that touched the Black Nazarene possess great healing powers and any sick person would regain strength and good health. Of course, everything should be accompanied with extraordinary faith and belief in God. However, the recent adherence to the said centuries old- observance in Quiapo was not a good thing to see and watch. It was very obvious that the procession (transferring) of the Black Nazarene turned into a chaotic scene due to the uncontrollable crowd who were there to only think of one thing, touch the statue and wipe their towels and handkerchiefs. The result was devastating because many injuries were recorded and the worst was that despite the fact that many people were already injured and wounded, others still continue to drive their way towards the Black Nazarene not thinking of the plight of their fellow devotees. In Ipil, the procession was seen as a success and very solemn. No injuries and no chaos in the whole duration of the activity. But it is expected because it’s the first time to happen. What will happen to the next ten (10) or twenty (20) years of doing the same observance? The number of devotees will surely balloon to millions because people from neighboring places and provinces will surely come to observe and experience the same procession held in Quiapo, Manila. This should be taken into consideration by the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church and they should find ways to avoid injuries and uncontrollable crowd during the observance. It does not have to be stopped; our leaders just have to make a great plan to make the procession in order and controlled.