Manila, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) has announced that it will place all government hospitals in Metro Manila, as well as those in Central and Southern Luzon, under Code White Alert.
This was confirmed by Health Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo in an interview.
A few days before the upcoming Feast of Jesus Nazareno on January 9, 2026, where millions of devotees are expected to join the Traslacion.
The move aims to place hospitals on heightened alert and ensure a swift response to individuals who may require immediate medical assistance as a large number of devotees attend on the day of the feast.
This is also part of the agency’s preparation for a possible mass casualty event, which they hope will not happen, but stressed that it is better for hospitals to be prepared.
Aside from declaring a Code White Alert, the DOH will also deploy additional emergency response personnel along the route of the carriage and in areas surrounding Quiapo Church.
Meanwhile, along with the announcement, the agency also urged senior citizens not to join the Traslacion, advised against bringing children, and encouraged attendees to voluntarily wear face masks to help prevent illness and the spread of infections.