By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

HOLY WEEK STARTS. Catholics attend the Palm Sunday (April 13, 2025) Mass at the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran, Parañaque City. The Department of Health has raised a code white alert to ensure immediate response to health emergencies during the Holy Week. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) has activated a code white alert over the weekend for the safe and healthy observance of the Holy Week.

In an advisory Sunday, the agency said this is part of proactive measures to ensure the readiness of health facilities and personnel to respond to any potential health emergencies during this period of increased public activity.

Under the code white alert which is in effect until April 20, all medical personnel -especially those in emergency rooms and critical care units - are prepared for a potential increase in patient volume due to accidents, injuries, or other health-related incidents that may arise during the Holy Week.

The DOH will monitor health events and coordinate with regional and local health offices to ensure a synchronized and efficient response to any emergencies.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa urged the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as they travel and take part of religious activities this Holy Week.

He reminded everyone not to stay in warm places for a long time and to hydrate themselves to avoid heatstroke.

“Mabilis din pong mapanis ang mga pagkain sa mainit na panahon kaya gawin din po natin ang maayos at maingat na paghahanda at pag-iimbak ng mga pagkain (Food spoils easily during warm weather so pack and store your food appropriately),” he said.

He also urged everyone to go to the nearest DOH hospitals in case of they would need healthcare services during Holy Week. (PNA)