ILOILO City – In preparation for Holy Week, Iloilo City has been placed under “blue alert” status to ensure public safety and emergency readiness.
The heightened alert will remain in effect from April 13 to April 20, as ordered by Mayor Jerry Treñas who also chairs the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (ICDRRMC).
Blue alert signals increased preparedness and 24/7 monitoring to address potential incidents related to religious activities, high temperatures, and increased population movement during the Semana Santa.
“This week is sacred and solemn, but it’s also a time when we see large crowds, extreme heat, and increased mobility. That’s why it is on blue alert — to keep the public safe and ready for any emergency,” said Treñas.
Under blue alert status, all response clusters, unit leads, and barangay disaster committees are on standby, prepared to respond quickly to emergencies. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will operate around-the-clock to track incidents, coordinate with relevant agencies, and dispatch support teams as needed.
Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs) are also instructed to activate their own Barangay EOCs, conduct community-level preparedness activities, and provide real-time updates to the city’s operations center.
Additionally, tighter coordination with churches, local organizations, and volunteers will ensure safety during religious gatherings and processions.
In light of concerns about the high heat index and crowd-related incidents, the city government has issued safety guidelines for residents and visitors:
* Drink plenty of water and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
* Avoid physical exhaustion during peak heat hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
* Secure homes and valuables when traveling.
* Refrain from swimming in unauthorized beach areas.
Avoid leaving candles unattended, especially during vigils or devotional practices.
The public is also urged to exercise caution when posting travel plans or personal details on social media and to ensure that emergency hotlines remain accessible.
Throughout Holy Week, response teams will continue to monitor weather advisories, crowd movements, and any incidents in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Adminsitration, local health offices, and barangay officials.
“We’re not just preparing for the expected — we’re preparing for the unexpected,” a representative from the ICDRRMC stated. “Being on Blue Alert means we’re fully mobilized and ready to respond swiftly.”/PN
