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Tag: Nazareno

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has successfully concluded its full-scale humanitarian operations for the Feast of Jesus Nazarene, one of the country’s largest religious gatherings, following the completion of the procession on January 10, 2026. The image arrived at Quiapo Church at 10:52 AM, marking the end of a nearly 31-hour procession—the longest in Philippine history—with a participation of 9.64M devotees, as reported by the Quiapo Church Command Post.

From January 8 until 11:00 AM on January 10, PRC staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to provide assistance to devotees and keep the Feast of Jesus Nazarene safe for all.

PRC medical teams in First Aid Stations across the procession’s routes catered to 1288 patients. A total of 629 individuals underwent vital signs monitoring, while 622 patients were treated for minor conditions such as dizziness, minor wounds, abrasions, sprains, burns, contusions, fever, and lacerations. 17 patients required major medical intervention due to conditions including deep lacerations, fractures, deformities, shortness of breath, and severe pain. 20 patients were transported to hospitals across Metro Manila for further treatment.

Meanwhile, the PRC Emergency Field Hospital (EFH) at Kartilya ng Katipunan provided care to 44 patients, with 34 treated and discharged for minor conditions and 10 transported to nearby hospitals. Patients were received through walk-ins, PRC ambulance referrals, and other responding groups like the Department of Health who referred 6 patients.

In addition to medical services, PRC extended welfare assistance to 2,204 individuals, including the distribution of 2,075 food packs, psychological support services, family tracing, referrals, and free communication assistance to help devotees reconnect with loved ones.

As part of its WASH operations, PRC distributed 1,300 liters of potable water and 10,000 liters of domestic water, serving 2,950 individuals to help prevent dehydration and maintain sanitation throughout the prolonged procession.

“This has been the most difficult Traslación in Philippine history. The procession lasted almost 31 hours and faced unexpected challenges. Yet, despite these obstacles, our team pressed on tirelessly, working over 48 hours on the ground to ensure the safety of the people. To all our volunteers and staff, I salute you. You make the impossible possible, and the Filipino people are fortunate to have your dedication in every mission you undertake,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

“With the help and hard work of everyone, the Philippine Red Cross was able to cater to over 1200 patients in our First Aid stations, more than 2000 were given welfare assistance, and over 40 were admitted to our Emergency Field Hospital. To all the volunteers, may the feast be a testament to what our faith can do,” said PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang.

The Philippine Red Cross extends its gratitude to its volunteers, partner agencies, and the public for their cooperation and support, reaffirming its commitment to humanitarian service, even during major national events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) CEO and Chairman Richard J. Gordon praised the hard work and unwavering dedication of PRC staff and volunteers who provided medical services to devotees during the feast period of the Black Nazarene 2023.

Since 8:00 PM of 06 January, the PRC staff and volunteers have been on standby and providing continuous assistance to devotees who needed medical care. In a statement addressed to volunteers and staff, Chairman Gordon said “The Philippine Red Cross is able to serve and assist the devotees of the Black Nazarene Feast because of the volunteers and staff who have been working day and night since January 06. They brave the night and cold weather to attend to the needs of our people. Tunay na maasahan ang ating PRC volunteers, staff, and medical teams sa mga ganitong pagkakataon. Patuloy tayong aalalay sa mga deboto hanggang matapos ang Black Nazarene Feast.”

PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn T. Pang, meanwhile, similarly lauded the commitment of volunteers and staff. “I am proud of the volunteers and staff who dedicated their time to serve our kababayans in one of the most celebrated feasts in Philippine history. It is our collective effort that made our operation a successful one,” said Secretary General Pang.

As of 9:00 AM, 09 January, 461 devotees received medical assistance from PRC ambulance teams, volunteer doctors, and first aid stations, 417 of whom underwent blood pressure tests while 42 with minor injuries (e.g., abrasion, sprain, chest pain, contusion, abdominal pain, and nausea) received first aid treatment.

The PRC Emergency Medical Unit (EMU) served seven devotees with minor bruises and transported one patient who experienced chest pain and breathing problems to Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for further medical assessment. In addition to medical services, the PRC also provided Psychological First Aid (PFA) to two individuals attending the feast.

Hundreds of thousands of devotees are expected to gather at Quiapo Church and Quirino Grandstand from January 07 to 09 for the Black Nazarene’s first-ever “Walk of Faith”.

In line with this, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will dispatch more than 300 volunteers in 4 first aid stations and welfare desks along the procession route with 17 teams of foot patrollers serving as mobile first-aiders. Fire trucks and ambulance teams will also be in strategic areas starting January 07 to provide medical assistance to devotees coming from different regions of the country. 

“A stampede and other incidents can happen in large crowds. We will prepare and deploy our volunteers, ambulance teams, and Emergency Response Units to ensure the safety of participants in the Black Nazarene Feast,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon.

The PRC also released the following safety reminders to help devotees avoid incidents that may occur during the feast:

  • Secure your house before leaving. Unplug all electrical appliances.
  • Be mentally and physically prepared. 
  • Pregnant women and persons who are sick are advised to stay home and rest.
  • Bring protective gear against heat and rain.
  • When coming in groups, designate a meeting point in case someone gets lost. 
  • Know the location, means of access, police stations, and first aid stations within the area.
  • If there is an untoward incident, do not panic but take necessary precautions.
  • Keep an ID with personal medical information and emergency contact numbers with you. 
  • Bring water, food and medications. 
  • Wear a facemask, and practice proper disinfection. 
  • Wear proper clothing and footwear. Avoid accessories.

Download the FIRST AID – IFRC APP, in case of emergency, call the Red Cross 143 hotline or 87902300.

In addition to these safety reminders, the PRC reiterated the importance of practicing minimum public health protocols as the transmission of Covid-19 is relatively high in crowded settings.

Philippine Red Cross

Born officially in 1947, but with roots that traces back to the revolutionary days, the Philippine Red Cross has truly become the premier humanitarian organization in the country, committed to provide quality life-saving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations.

Address: 37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550
Emergency Hotline: 143
Trunkline +63 2 8790 2300
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