Manila: The Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) on Thursday reminded devotees joining the annual Traslacion of the Feast of the Black Nazarene to prioritize safety to ensure an orderly and peaceful religious activity.
According to Philippines News Agency, a Code White Alert has been raised in all DOH hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) starting Tuesday to ensure readiness for any medical emergency during the observance. It will remain until Saturday.
The DOH-MMCHD advised taking precautionary measures, particularly amid large crowds and prolonged exposure to heat or rain. Among the reminders issued were the use of hats, hand fans, and towels to protect against extreme weather conditions; bringing sufficient drinking water to stay hydrated; and carrying easy-to-eat food.
The agency also encouraged children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and those with existing medical conditions to stay at home. Devotees were, likewise, advised to wear comfortable clothing, avoid accessories, eat nutritious meals before joining the activity, and continue taking maintenance medicines. Bringing a personal first aid kit was also recommended.
To ensure immediate medical response, the DOH said 20 hospitals in Metro Manila have been deployed and are on standby throughout the duration of the activity. Health Emergency Response Team (HERT) stations have been positioned in key areas, including Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park along Roxas Boulevard, the National Museum exit point, areas near SM Manila, Ayala Bridge, P. Casal Street, Quinta Market, and Quezon Boulevard, San Sebastian Church grounds; MLQU grounds, and several locations in Quiapo, among others. Some stations have multiple response teams.
The Traslacion route was coordinated with the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno. The public is urged to immediately seek assistance in case of emergencies through the MMCHD Operations Center (OPCEN) at 0908-762-8858 or (02) 8531-0037 local 119, or by calling the National Emergency Hotline 911.
