Over 1,000 volunteers, staff, and assets will be deployed by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to assist devotees participating in this year’s Feast of Jesus Nazareno activities.
“The Philippine Red Cross is fully prepared for the Traslacion this 2025,” said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon during a press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Gordon noted that two First Aid stations will open at Quirino Grandstand on Jan. 7 for the devotees.
Additional First Aid stations and welfare desks, he added, will open on Jan. 8.
On the day of the feast, Jan. 9, Gordon stated that all teams will be positioned as early as midnight to ensure smooth operations.
PRC said that around 1,138 personnel (staff and volunteers) from the PRC national headquarters, as well as its chapters and branches in Manila, Malabon, Caloocan, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasay, Valenzuela, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig/Pateros, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Paranaque, and Rizal Province, will be deployed for the Nazareno operations.
The PRC also mentioned that a total of 17 First Aid stations will be set up at strategic points along the Traslacion, or “Walk of Faith” procession route, from the Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church).
PRC said that approximately 18 ambulances from its Metro Manila chapters will be deployed, while 20 ambulances from the Central and Southern Luzon chapters will remain on standby in case additional resources are needed.
In addition, 12 scooters will be allocated for use by the roving medical teams on the narrower streets along the procession route.
Moreover, PRC stated that two rescue boats will be readied, along with other assets such as rescue trucks, fire trucks, humvees, and service vehicles.
An emergency field hospital (EFH) will also be set up, including a six-bed emergency response (ER) room for minor wound cleaning and a 50-bed capacity ward to treat patients, according to PRC.
PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang reminded those participating in this year’s Traslacion to be well-prepared.
She encouraged devotees to stay mindful of their physical strength and health by drinking water and bringing sufficient food.
For safety, Pang urged devotees to avoid bringing valuables and to pack extra clothes, towels, and rain gear in case of rain.
“If you have any health concerns, it’s best to stay home and watch the Traslacion on TV or via livestream,” Pang said in a mix of English and Filipino.