Jesus Nazareno devotees flock to Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in  Quiapo, Manila to have replicas and banners of the image blessed on January 2, 2025 as they pass under the foot bridge outside the church. The blessing is part of the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene culminating with the Traslacion set for January 9. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The Philippine Red Cross is already on stand by for the annual celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno this coming January 9, when millions of devotees participate in the grand religious procession.

Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, PRC Secretary General, said they will deploy hundreds of medical volunteers who will cater to the emergency needs of the Nazareno devotees on feast day.

"Taon taon tayong naghahanda dito... this time ang aming ide-deploy na volunteers at staff members na pupunta po doon po sa kapistahan ng Nazareno ay nasa 500 po. Trained po sila, karamihan dyan kasama natin sa yearly responses," said Pang in an interview on Teleradyo Serbisyo.

She added that they will also deploy foot patrollers to monitor and access hard to reach areas and prepare ambulances in case they need to transport patients.

"Magdedeploy din tayo ng ambulances. Nasa 18 ambulances and 20 po ang nakastand by sa iba't ibang Red Cross chapters natin. Meron din tayong mga foot patrollers, gagamitin po ang mga scooters iikot ikot sila para madaling mapuntahan ang mga lugar," said Pang.

Six Emergency Medical Units with total bed capacity of 50 will also be put in place to serve as mini-hospitals where they can address emergency cases.

"Kasi napansin natin in the past, bago dalhin sa hospital dapat na-stabilize na natin sila... if ever kailangan ng further care then saka dadalhin sa hospital," said the PRC executive.

These are aside from the first aid station and ambulances placed in strategic locations, including the Ayala Bridge where the procession is expected to pass.

"Including dito ang Ayala bridge kasi may tumatalon dyan at may nahulog dyan before. Kahit sa Pasig River tayo ay nakaabang. May rescue boat in case may tumalon o mahulog dahil sa tulakan. Andoon po tayo," said Pang.

The PRC will also provide water stations and set up help desks to assist parents with kids missing during the annual procession.

The 2025 Traslacion will follow the traditional route in Manila spanning 5.8 kilometers.

The venerated centuries-old black image of the Nazareno will depart from the Quirino Grandstand on the dawn of January 9, Thursday, and pass through several streets before reaching the Minor Basilica and Nationa Shrine of the Jesus Nazareno, commonly known as Quiapo Church. 

The procession will pass through three plazas and parks, 18 national and city roads, and cross six bridges, and one underpass.

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