PHILIPPINE Red Cross (PRC) chapters in Cebu and Aklan have started their operations for the Sinulog and Ati-Atihan festivals, with the deployment of volunteers to ensure the safety of devotees and tourists alike who will witness and participate in the festivities.
For the Sinulog festival, the PRC Cebu chapter already deployed more than 150 personnel and volunteers who are manning first aid stations located in strategic areas around the city.
The Cebu chapter started their operations last Jan. 7 with four first aid stations around the Basilica del Sto. Niño, five standby ambulances with emergency medical technicians, and foot patrol assigned outside the premises of the Basilica.
The Red Cross first aid stations and deployment of staff and volunteers will continue until the Sinulog grand parade tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Ati-Atihan Festival in Aklan, also celebrated in honor of the Sto. Niño, started on Jan. 11 and will culminate tomorrow with a religious procession and dance in major streets in Kalibo, Aklan.
Red Cross Aklan deployed 50 first aid volunteers who will be manning the five first aid stations situated in strategic locations.