Workers refurbish the Paseo De la Apostoles sculptures at the Basilica  of St. John the Basptist Parish in Taytay Rizal on March 21, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The Department of Health on Saturday said it would place its hospitals under code white alert as millions of individuals travel to provinces and worship spots during the Holy Week. 

Code white alert is declared during "national events, holidays, or celebrations that can potentially cause mass casualty incidents or emergencies," DOH said. 

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"The DOH family joins all Filipino families in the solemn and healthy observance of Holy Week 2024. Following instructions of President Marcos, hospitals are now on Code White Alert, always ready to care for patients in the event of any medical crisis," Health chief Teodoro J. Herbosa said. 

With the Holy Week commemoration coinciding with the summer season, DOH urged the public to do the following: 

• Drink plenty of water 

• Avoid prolonged exposure to heat 

• Watch for summer-borne illnesses and ailments 

• Supervise children when swimming

Yearly, the Holy Week commemoration brings millions of Filipinos home to their provinces, or to various Catholic Churches, resorts, and other tourist destinations as it coincides with the summer.

Just yesterday, state weather bureau PAGASA declared the start of the summer season.

READ: Dry season is here, says PAGASA