MANILA, Philippines – Some may find it ridiculous – the stuff of toilet humor, so to speak – but for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the decision to require traffic constables to use adult diapers during the Feast of the Black Nazarene procession is no laughing matter.

“It is understandable that the idea may seem ridiculous to a few or maybe a majority, at first glance. But we need to look at it in its proper perspective, which is its practicality, considering the limited number of portalets in tomorrow’s event. The benefits outweigh the negative notion,” MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations Emerson Carlos said on Thursday, January 8.

The procession is one of the country’s biggest religious gatherings, wherein millions of devotees follow the image of the Black Nazarene as it is paraded through several Metro Manila cities.

The procession usually takes hours to finish its route which begins from the Quirino Grandstand to the Quiapo church.

Carlos said in a statement that adult diapers are “used regularly as standard operating gear” for personnel of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United States Army when fighting the Taliban, and Buckingham Palace guards.

He added that adult diapers were also used by police and performers during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Astronauts also regularly use adult diapers during space shuttle launches and their return to the planet, added Carlos.

“Some people are quick to deride our efforts. But we at the MMDA take comfort in the fact that we are doing these practical measures to better serve the public,” added the MMDA official.

Even the Department of Health has recommended the use of adult diapers for those planning to attend the papal mass at the Luneta, to prevent potential health problems. (READ: 10 tips: Stay healthy, safe during Pope Francis events)

Some 2,000 MMDA personnel will be asked to wear the adult diapers to avoid the need to leave their posts during the procession. – Rappler.com