The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is preparing its full force of volunteers, staff, and assets to assist the devotees joining this year’s Feast of Jesus Nazareno activities, celebrated annually on January 9, particularly the Traslacion.
Approximately 500 volunteers and staff from the PRC national headquarters, and chapters and branches in Manila, Malabon, Caloocan, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasay, Valenzuela, Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig/Pateros, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Paranaque, and Rizal Province will be deployed for the Nazareno operations.
A total of 17 first aid stations will be set up at strategic points along the Traslacion procession route from the Quirino Grandstand to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church).
Eighteen ambulances from PRC’s chapters in Metro Manila will be deployed, with 20 ambulances from the Central and Southern Luzon chapters on standby for potential augmentation. Twelve scooters will be assigned to the roving medical team for the narrower street routes of the procession. Two rescue boats will also be ready, along with other PRC assets such as a rescue truck, fire truck, humvee, 6×6, and service vehicles.
Additionally, there will be an emergency medical unit, including a six-bed emergency response (ER) module for minor wound cleaning, and a 50-bed capacity ward for treating patients. A total of 80 personnel, including five doctors, 10 nurses, 25 allied health volunteers (students, doctors, and nurses), 15 staff from Health Services and Metro Manila chapters, and 25 tent builders for setting up and dismantling the emergency field hospital will be mobilized.
“The Red Cross stands ready to ensure the safety and wellbeing of thousands of devotees for a peaceful and solemn Traslacion. Given the expected large crowds, we will exercise an elevated level of vigilance in our response operations on the ground through our dedicated first aid volunteers and teams, who are prepared for any situation or crises,” remarked PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added, “Our Nazareno operations are a team effort from all our chapters and branches in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. We assure devotees that in case of an emergency during the procession, they will be readily accommodated at our first aid stations, and Red Cross personnel will be there to help.”
According to Quiapo Church, 6.5 million people participated in Nazareno last year when the full Traslacion activity resumed after being canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
