MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health announced that hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) are on “Code White Alert” for the duration of the Traslacion happening on Thursday, January 9. 

“Code White Alert” means hospitals must be ready to respond to all medical emergencies at any time particularly general and orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, operating room nurses, ophthalmologists and otorhinolaryngologists. 

“Bilang paghahanda para sa taunang Traslacion ng Poong Itim na Nazareno sa Enero 9, 2025, idineklara ng Department of Health (DOH) ang Code White Alert mula Enero 6–10, 2025,” the DOH said. 

“Ang alertong ito ay nagsisiguro na ang lahat ng itinalagang medical personnel, kagamitan, at pasilidad sa NCR at mga karatig-rehiyon gaya ng Central Luzon at CALABARZON ay nakaantabay upang mabilis na tumugon sa mga emerhensiya o insidenteng may kaugnayan sa kalusugan sa panahon ng malaking pagtitipong panrelihiyon,” the DOH said. 

The DOH will assign health stations in key routes of the Traslacion in Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, SM Manila, Ayala Bridge, P. Casal, and Quinta Market.  

Additionally, 201 personnel from the Health emergency Response Team from 20 DOH hospitals in the NCR including Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, at East Avenue Medical Center will also be deployed. 

The DOH assured that the health stations are capable of basic and advanced health care responses depending on every patient’s need. Ambulances are also in place and ready to transport patients who would need more medical attention to DOH hospital facilities. 

Moreover, partner agencies such as 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 quick, coordinated and efficient medical response to thousands of devotees expected to flock on Thursday. 

The DOH meanwhile reminded the devotees who have present medical concerns to forgo participating in the Traslacion to prevent aggravation of their condition. 

“Hinihikayat ang mga deboto na kung may ubo o sipon at hindi maganda ang pakiramdam, iwasan na muna ang magpunta sa Traslacion para hindi lumala ang kondisyon at mapigilan ang pagkalat ng sakit,” the DOH said.  

“Uminom ng walong basong tubig kada araw upang manatiling hydrated, magsuot ng komportableng damit, at limitahan ang matagal na pagkakalantad sa init upang maiwasan ang mga sakit tulad ng heat stroke,” the DOH said.