The Department of Health (DOH) has announced a code white alert from January 6 to January 10, 2025, in anticipation of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno. This alert ensures that medical personnel, equipment, and facilities in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby regions such as Central Luzon and Calabarzon are prepared to respond swiftly to any health emergencies during the religious event.
On January 9, the DOH will position medical teams and health stations along the Traslacion procession route, covering key locations like Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, SM Manila, Ayala Bridge, P. Casal Street, and Quinta Market. A total of 201 personnel from the Health Emergency Response Teams of 20 DOH hospitals in Metro Manila, including Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and East Avenue Medical Center, will be on duty to offer medical support.
Collaborative efforts with agencies like the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, National Capital Region Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and Metro Manila Center for Health Development will ensure a coordinated and effective health response. Health stations along the route will provide both basic and advanced care, with ambulances ready for immediate action.
The DOH advises devotees who are unwell or showing symptoms like cough and colds to avoid the Traslacion to prevent worsening their condition and spreading viruses. They also stress the importance of health and safety measures, such as staying hydrated, wearing comfortable clothing, and avoiding prolonged exposure to heat to prevent heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized the DOH’s commitment to the health and safety of all participants, stating, “The yearly Traslacion is a sacred tradition for millions of Filipino devotees. The DOH is committed to ensuring the health and safety of everyone.”
In preparation, MMDA officials, led by Chair Don Artes, inspected Quirino Grandstand where the traditional ‘pahalik’ began. Measures like plastic barricades and tents were set up to manage the queue and provide shade for devotees. Emergency response teams and security cameras are in place to monitor the procession and ensure public safety.
Artes mentioned the deployment of 1,200 personnel for the event, including those responsible for maintaining cleanliness along the procession route. He also assured that operations to clear illegally parked vehicles and trash are underway to prevent hazards for barefoot devotees.
On the feast day, a special non-working holiday, the number coding scheme will be suspended in Manila. The MMDA has also provided rerouting advice for motorists affected by the event.
The Office of Civil Defense-National Capital Region (OCD-NCR) is fully prepared for the festival, with a virtual emergency operations center established for real-time communication among response teams and local government units. OCD-NCR Director George Keyser confirmed the readiness of various facilities and outlined comprehensive plans including deployment strategies, road closures, evacuation centers, and contingency plans.