In preparation for the annual Jesus Nazareno procession or “Traslacion” on Jan. 9, the Department of Health (DOH) has declared “code white alert” from Jan. 6 to 10.
The alert ensures that all designated medical personnel, equipment, and facilities in the National Capital Region (NCR) and neighboring regions, such as Central Luzon and Calabarzon, are on standby to respond quickly to health-related emergencies during the religious gathering.
The DOH, in collaboration with partner agencies and the local government of Manila, will deploy medical teams and health stations along key areas of the Traslacion route, including Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, SM Manila, Ayala Bridge, P. Casal, and Quinta Market.
It said 201 personnel from the Health Emergency Response Team (HERT) of 20 DOH hospitals in Metro Manila, including Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC), Tondo Medical Center (TMC), Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and East Avenue Medical Center, will be deployed.
Partner agencies such as the Metro Manila Development Authority, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, National Capital Region Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and DOH-Metro Manila Center for Health Development will also play crucial roles in ensuring coordinated and effective health response.
The designated health stations along the Traslacion route will provide basic and advanced care as needed.
Ambulances will be on standby to transport patients to hospitals as required.
Facilities, such as JRRMMC, TMC, and other DOH hospitals in NCR are prepared to receive patients needing more intensive medical attention.
The DOH encouraged devotees who are experiencing cold or flu symptoms or are feeling unwell to refrain from attending the event to prevent worsening conditions and avoid spreading illness.
Devotees are also urged to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothing, and limit prolonged exposure to heat to prevent conditions like heat stroke.