DOH on code white alert for Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines — In order to prioritize the health and safety of the public during the Fiesta Señor and the Sinulog 2025, the Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health and Development (DOH-CVCHD) issued a “code white alert” from January 8 to 20.

This alert was initialized to ensure that healthcare personnel, medical resources, and healthcare facilities are fully equipped to handle any health emergencies during the festivities.

Dr. Shelbay Blanco, Medical Officer IV of DOH-CVCHD, assured that there will be enough health teams to be deployed in full force during the January 19 grand event.

“We will be deploying, same with last year, we have deployed around 700 manpower. This time, it's more or less the same,” said Dr. Blanco.

Specifically, during the solemn foot procession on January 18 and the Sinulog grand celebrations on January 19, health stations will be set up along the major event routes – consisting of a total of 240 personnel from both government and private hospitals and 44 health emergency response teams.

The DOH-CVCHD has also set up 45 medical stations along the solemn foot procession and the grand parade routes.

In addition to the medical stations, the health department also designated advanced medical posts.

On January 19, an advanced medical post will be set up at the DOH-7 compound on Osmeña Blvd, Cebu City to handle “non-urgent cases.” This means, Blanco said that this will cater to less critical cases, providing out-patient care for those with manageable conditions.

Patients who will be needing more serious medical attention will be referred to nearby hospitals, including Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC).

Citing from the previous Sinulog festival, Blanco highlighted common medical issues wherein around 250 cases were recorded. Majority of these cases were related to high blood pressure, abdominal pain, difficulty in breathing, panic attacks, and fatigue.

“Last year, we had four nga na-refer sa health facilities because of fracture, severe headache and possible ligament pair,” Blanco shared.

Blanco said that this year’s festival is expected to draw higher spectators, thus, they are preparing on the possibility of stampedes.

He urged festival-goers to take precautions, particularly on the solemn foot procession and the Sinulog grand parade.

"Bring any protective nga equipment like payong, kalo, paypay, just to keep you cool down or pang-proteksyon sa kainit,” he said. The health officer also recommended the use of sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

Spectators are also encouraged to bring an emergency "Go Bag" with essential items, such as extra shirts, towels, tumbler, snacks, candies, and crackers. This way, he said one is safe from getting stomach-related issues from buying food or drink from unknown sources while on the streets

For those who are nursing colds or flu-like symptoms, the DOH-CVCHD advised them to stay home or wear masks, if they really want to join the celebrations.

As part of the Code White Alert, the health department ensured that health facilities, not only within Cebu City but in Metro Cebu areas (from Carcar to Danao) are fully prepared to answer to calls for emergencies.

“We are putting all health facilities, not just within Cebu City but mega Cebu from Carcar to Danao nga atong giandam atong health facilities for any untoward incidents,” said Blanco. — (FREEMAN)