The Department of Health (DOH) has placed all its hospitals, along with its central and regional offices nationwide, under Code White Alert until 2 November to ensure heightened preparedness during the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Activated on 31 October, the alert puts all DOH facilities and healthcare personnel on standby to respond swiftly to any medical emergencies throughout the long Undas weekend.
According to the department, hospital operations centers have been instructed to maintain close coordination with regional and central offices for timely reporting and rapid response to incidents.
To further strengthen emergency readiness, two fully equipped Level 3 ambulances have been deployed and are on standby at the Manila North and Manila South Cemeteries to assist visitors who may require medical attention.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa urged the public to observe proper hygiene and health precautions—including cough etiquette, frequent handwashing, and the use of alcohol-based sanitizers—as the country remains within the flu season.
He also advised cemetery-goers to bring drinking water and maintenance medicines, especially for those planning to stay for extended hours under the sun.
Meanwhile, the Manila City Government said it is fully prepared to respond to medical needs in cemeteries, particularly at the Manila South Cemetery.
“At Manila South Cemetery this morning, the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Medical Response Team, together with criminology interns and volunteers, are on standby, ready to assist visitors this Undas,” Mayor Isko Moreno said in a social media post on Saturday.
Moreno added that another medical response team has been deployed to the Manila North Cemetery to ensure emergency services are readily available.
“Rest assured, your City Government is on guard to ensure a safe, peaceful, and orderly day,” he said, assuring the public of heightened security and medical response measures across the city.
As of 12 p.m., the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Office reported that the crowd inside Manila North Cemetery had reached 612,500, while 39,790 visitors were recorded at Manila South Cemetery.