Gov’t hospitals in Metro Manila on Code White alert for Traslacion 2026

A Code White alert will be in effect in public hospitals in Metro Manila and nearby regions for the upcoming Feast of the Jesus Nazareno on January 9, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Sunday. 

“‘Yaan po ay magtataas po muli tayo ng Code White. Bale ito naman po hindi na ho siya nationwide na Code White, ang magko-Code White ay yung mga ospital ng DOH sa Metro Manila at sa karatig rehiyon ng Central Luzon and Southern Luzon,” said DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB. 

(We will be raising Code White once again. However, this won't be a nationwide Code White. Those that will be under Code White are DOH hospitals in Metro Manila and the neighboring regions of Central Luzon and Southern Luzon.) 

A Code White indicates that hospitals and medical personnel are on standby to provide immediate emergency care, regardless of the time of day.

The DOH also said that it will deploy 200 emergency health response team members on the day of the annual feast. 

“Sa event mismo ng Traslacion or nung pista sa Biyernes, magkakaroon tayo ng naka-deploy na 200 na health emergency response team members ng DOH. Sila po ay makikihalo sa ating mga partners. Sino ang mga partners na ito? Of course, ang ating LGU Metro Manila, nandiyan din ang Philippine Red Cross, at ibang mga responders,” said Domingo. 

(During the actual event of the Traslacion or the feast on Friday, we will deploy 200 health emergency response team members from the DOH. They will coordinate with our partners. Who are these partners? Of course, our Metro Manila LGUs, the Philippine Red Cross is also there, and other responders.) 

Among the cases that the DOH is expected to respond to during the annual feast are those who will experience hypertension and hypoglycemia. The department also said that hospitals are prepared for the worst case scenario. 

“Handa pa rin ang mga ospital kung sakaling magkaroon ng tinatawag na mass casualty event,” said Domingo. 

(Hospitals remain ready in the event of what is called a mass casualty event.) 

Further, the DOH reminded devotees who are in vulnerable condition to better stay at their homes for safety. 

“Kung mayroon tayong kondisyon tulad nung may mga sakit sa puso, sakit sa baga, o matanda na tayo, o buntis, o kaya sobrang bata tayo, wag na tayo makihalubilo,” said the DOH head. 

(If we have conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or if we are elderly, pregnant, or very young, let’s not join the crowds anymore.) 

But to those who are physically able but taking maintenance medicines, the DOH advised them to bring a day’s worth of medicines.

The department also highly advised all attendees to bring water and wear loose clothes. 

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said that around 15,000 cops will be deployed during the January 9 feast. — RF, GMA Integrated News