The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Saturday, Jan. 4, announced that it will mobilize 500 volunteers to assist the devotees who will participate in this year’s Traslacion.
The Feast of Jesus Nazareno celebrations, particularly the Traslacion or “Walk of Faith,” are held annually on Jan. 9.
PRC said it is assembling its full force of volunteers, staff, and assets to assist the devotees who will join this year’s activities.
In a statement, PRC said around 500 volunteers and staff from its national headquarters and 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 Red Cross stands ready to ensure the safety and well-being of thousands of devotees for a peaceful and solemn Traslacion,” said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon.
“Given the expected large crowds, we will exercise an elevated level of vigilance in our response operations on the ground through our dedicated first aid volunteers and teams who are prepared for any situation or crisis,” he added.
PRC noted that a total of 17 first aid stations will be set up at strategic points along the Traslacion procession route from the Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church).
Moreover, about 18 ambulances from PRC’s chapters in Metro Manila will be deployed, while 20 ambulances from the Central and Southern Luzon chapters will be on standby in case the need for augmentation arises.
PRC said 12 scooters will be allotted for use by the roving medical team on the narrower street routes of the procession.
There will also be two rescue boats readied, along with other assets of the PRC such as a rescue truck, fire truck, humvee, 6x6, and service vehicles.
PRC noted that there will also be an emergency medical unit, including a six-bed emergency response (ER) module that can cater to minor wound cleaning, and a 50-bed capacity ward to hold and treat patients.
A total of 80 personnel, comprising five doctors, 10 nurses, 25 support allied health volunteers (students, doctors, and nurses), 15 staff from Health Services and Metro Manila chapters, and 25 tent builders for the setup and dismantling of the emergency field hospital, will be mobilized, PRC said.
Citing data from Quiapo Church, the PRC noted that 6.5 million people participated in the Nazareno last year when it resumed the full Traslacion activity after its cancellation during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang said PRC’s Nazareno operations are a “team effort” from all its chapters and branches in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
“We assure the devotees that when an emergency breaks out during the procession, they will be readily accommodated at our first aid stations, and Red Cross personnel will be there to help,” she added.