DPWH repairs grandstand for Pope Francis visit

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is repairing the Quirino Grandstand in time for Pope Francis’ visit next year, even if there has been no confirmation that the Pope will celebrate a mass there.

DPWH Undersecretary Alfredo Tolentino said yesterday it is standard procedure for the agency to repair the grandstand in preparation for a big event.

“There would be additional seats but these would be movable and can be removed after the Papal mass. These are detachable (structures),” he said.

He said he was “certain” that Pope Francis will celebrate a mass at the grandstand even if neither the Vatican nor the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines have officially announced the itinerary of the Pope’s five-day visit, which will be from Jan. 15 to 19, 2015.

“There are already communications saying that Pope Francis is coming on Jan. 15, but the mass in Luneta would not be on Jan. 15 since he has many places to visit,” he said.

It has been reported that Pope Francis is coming to the Philippines primarily to visit the places in the Visayas and other parts of the country that were ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda last year. 

The DPWH is also sprucing up restrooms below the stage and the holding area for the Pope.

“There are two holding areas below the stage, one for the President (Aquino) and another for the Pope. We have already finished the holding area for the President, but we have yet to fix the holding area for the Pope,” Tolentino said.

ABS-CBN reported that the DPWH has allocated P20 million for the repair and renovation of the Quirino Grandstand.

With five million people expected to attend the mass to be officiated by the Pope, Tolentino said there should be 400 portalets and a five-kilometer concrete barrier installed.