Sixty-nine devotees who participated in various activities related to Manila’s Black Nazarene feast received medical assistance from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), officials said Monday.
“Compared to past Traslacions, this is one of the lowest cases MMDA has handled,” said Hanna Zaballero, deputy head of MMDA’s Road Emergency Group.
(Compared to past Traslacions, this year’s numbers were among the lowest the MMDA has handled.)
Of the total 69 people recorded between Jan. 6 and Jan. 9 at 6:00 a.m., six had asked to be tested for trauma or pre-existing wounds, Zaballero said. Eleven had experienced medical illnesses or dizziness or headaches, and 52 only wanted their blood pressure checked.
Zaballero said the number did not include those seeking medical assistance from the Philippine Red Cross, the Philippine National Police and the Manila City Health Department.
On Sunday, about 38,000 devotees gathered at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park to see and touch one of the activities associated with the annual feast: the “Pagupupgai,” or statue of the Black Nazarene.
An estimated 88,000 followers attended the first-ever Walk of Faith before dawn on Sunday. This Walk of Faith replaces the traditional Traslacion, which was canceled this year again due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The walk started at 1:30am at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park and ended after 2.5 hours arriving at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, more commonly known as Quiapo Church.
For those still planning to participate in the activity, Zaballero urged them, especially the elderly, to bring water, food, and medication if they have pre-existing medical conditions.
Participants were also asked to remain prepared for all types of weather and to continue to adhere to the minimum health standards related to COVID-19, including wearing face masks and frequent hand washing with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. . — KBK, GMA Integration News