Reelectionist Senator Christopher “Bong” Go stressed the critical role of healthcare workers following the Department of Health (DOH) raising of Code White Alert during this Holy Week.

That is why, it is important for pilgrims and the traveling public to cooperate by exercising caution especially during the extreme hot weather, Go said.

“Sa tuwing may bakasyon, habang ang marami ay nagpapahinga o naglalakbay, ang ating mga health workers ay nananatiling naka-duty para sa kapakanan ng kapwa Pilipino (During the holidays, while many are resting or traveling, our health workers remain on duty for the welfare of fellow Filipinos),” said Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health.

“Kaya saludo po tayo sa kanila. Sila po ang tunay na modernong bayani—hindi lang ngayong Semana Santa kundi araw-araw (That’s why we salute them. They are the true modern heroes—not just this Holy Week but every day),” the senator said.

Code White is a standard protocol activated by the DOH during major holidays and periods of heightened public activity to ensure swift medical response.

Once in effect, all medical staff—especially those assigned to emergency rooms and intensive care units (ICUs)—are instructed to remain on standby in anticipation of a surge in patient cases stemming from road mishaps, heat exhaustion, and other medical incidents.

As the nation observes the Holy Week break, Go likewise, urged the public to keep their health and safety a priority during their journeys.

“Alam kong mahalaga para sa maraming Pilipino ang pananampalataya ngayong Semana Santa. Pero ‘wag po nating kalimutan ang kaligtasan (I know that faith is important for many Filipinos this Holy Week. But let's not forget about salvation),” Go said.

“Magdala po tayo ng tubig, sumilong kapag matindi ang sikat ng araw, at iwasang mapagod nang sobra (Let's bring water, take shelter when the sun is strong, and avoid getting too tired),” he stressed.

At the same time, the senator reminded the public to seek immediate help from the nearest government hospital or rural health unit should the need arise.

“May mga nakaantabay pong mga ospital sa pangunguna ng DOH para sa mga nangangailangan ng agarang atensyong medikal. Kung may nararamdamang kakaiba, ‘wag pong ipagwalang-bahala (There are hospitals under the leadership of the DOH on standby for those who need immediate medical attention. If you feel anything unusual, don’t ignore it),” he said.