MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) recently declared a Code White Alert until January 10 in preparation for the Feast of the Black Nazarene, also known as the Traslacion.

Launched last Monday, 06 Jan 2025, the Code White Alert intends to ensure that health services in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby regions—including Central Luzon and Calabarzon—are on standby to respond promptly to any health emergencies during the religious procession.

In a statement, the DOH explained that medical teams, equipment, and facilities will be ready to address health-related incidents throughout the event. “This alert ensures that designated medical personnel and resources in Metro Manila and surrounding regions are fully prepared to provide swift responses to any health emergencies related to the large religious gathering,” the agency said.

Deployment of Medical Personnel

On January 9, health teams and medical stations will be strategically deployed along the key areas of the Traslacion route. These include locations such as Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, SM Manila, Ayala Bridge, P. Casal Street, and Quinta Market.

The DOH will also assign 201 personnel from the Health Emergency Response Team, which includes staff from 20 DOH hospitals in Metro Manila. Notable hospitals providing support include Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and East Avenue Medical Center.

In addition to the DOH teams, various partner agencies will coordinate efforts to ensure effective health responses. These include the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Metro Manila Center for Health Development.

Health and Safety Tips for Devotees

To ensure the safety of attendees, the DOH has issued several health and safety recommendations:

Devotees feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms of illness, such as cough or colds, are urged to refrain from attending the event to avoid worsening their condition and spreading any illness.

The DOH encourages regular hydration by drinking water, wearing comfortable clothing, and limiting prolonged exposure to the heat to avoid heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

“Millions of Filipino devotees participate in the annual Traslacion, and the DOH is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all attendees,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

Quirino Grandstand Preparations

Meanwhile, MMDA officials, led by Chair Don Artes, conducted an inspection of the Quirino Grandstand on Tuesday, where the traditional “pahalik” (veneration by kissing or touching the image) began. The MMDA has set up plastic barricades to maintain order in the queues, and tents have been installed to provide shade for the devotees.

Emergency medical teams are on standby for immediate assistance, and security cameras have been placed along the procession route to monitor traffic conditions and ensure public safety, in cooperation with the police.

Artes added that 1,200 personnel have been deployed to assist with the procession, including staff responsible for maintaining cleanliness along the route. “We appeal to the public not to discard trash, as it could pose a danger to fellow devotees, many of whom participate in the Traslacion barefoot,” he said.

Traffic Rerouting and Suspension of Number Coding

To facilitate the smooth flow of the procession, the MMDA has announced a suspension of the number coding scheme in Manila on January 9, which has been declared a special non-working holiday.

Motorists are advised to follow the designated rerouting plans:

Light Vehicles:

From the south (Roxas Boulevard and Taft Avenues), take United Nations Avenue to Nagtahan Street, then left to Mabini Bridge, continuing toward Magsaysay Boulevard and Lacson Avenue.

From the north (Malabon-Navotas and Port Area), take Anda Circle, Soriano Avenue (Intramuros), and Magallanes Drive to Chinatown.

Trucks:

Trucks heading to North Harbor from SLEX should proceed to Osmeña Highway, then right to Quirino Avenue, and continue to Nagtahan Street, Lacson Avenue, and Yuseco Street to Capulong Street.

Trucks from the Parañaque area should take Quirino Avenue to Mabini Bridge, then Lacson Avenue to their destination.

ia/mnm