MANILA, Philippines: The Philippine Red Cross is on high alert and set to respond to any medical emergency as the country takes a break to observe the rest of Holy Week, the final week of the Lenten season that marks the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Over 2,000 volunteers will operate until March 31 more than 200 first aid stations, ambulance units, and roving units nationwide, including seaports, airports, major highways, bus terminals, and places of worship.

PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon said that for many Filipinos, the religious event was also an opportunity to visit families in the province, thus intensified preparations for medical emergencies must be made.

"Every year, we anticipate religious mass gatherings and that is why we are prepared even a month before the actual observance of Holy Week. That is part of our mantra to always be first, always ready, and always there," Gordon said.

In a statement on Thursday, PRC said its welfare desks, along with other assets and foot patrol teams, were put up in strategic areas for first aid, assistance to people with missing companions or relatives and psychosocial support.