Holy Week in the Philippines: Health Warnings and Safety Measures Amid Traditions

As Filipinos across the archipelago observe Holy Week with deep-rooted religious traditions, the Department of Health (DOH) has issued a stern warning against extreme acts of penance, such as self-flagellation and crucifixion, citing significant health risks. Echoing the stance of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), health officials are urging devotees to express their faith through safer means, while government agencies ramp up safety measures to protect travelers during this peak period of movement and reflection.

Health Risks of Extreme Penance

Every year, particularly in provinces like Pampanga, some Filipino Catholics engage in “penitencia,” intense physical acts of devotion that include whipping themselves with bamboo sticks or, in rare cases, reenacting crucifixion. These practices, often performed under the scorching sun during Good Friday processions, have long been a point of contention. On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo addressed the issue in a televised interview, emphasizing the dangers of such acts. “As what the Church leaders have already said, we do not need to physically hurt our bodies to show how strong our faiths are” he stated.

Domingo highlighted that wounds sustained during these rituals are often “dirty wounds,” contaminated by dust, dirt, or debris, which heighten the risk of bacterial infections. He also cautioned against the common practice of submerging wounds in rivers or the sea for supposed healing, noting that such water sources are not sterile and could harbor harmful bacteria. The DOH’s advisory aligns with repeated calls from the CBCP, which has discouraged these extreme traditions for decades, arguing they are not rooted in biblical teachings. Instead, the Church promotes confession and acts of kindness as more meaningful ways to atone for sins, stressing that Christ’s crucifixion was sufficient for humanity’s salvation.

A Call for Safer Expressions of Faith

The CBCP’s position reflects a broader theological perspective within the Catholic Church, which holds that personal suffering is not a prerequisite for redemption. Church leaders have urged devotees to participate in sacraments like confession or to engage in charitable acts during Holy Week. This message resonates particularly in a country where Catholicism remains a dominant force, shaping cultural and social norms for over 80 million Filipinos. Yet, the persistence of extreme penance in certain communities points to a complex interplay of faith, tradition, and local identity—practices that predate colonial influences but have since intertwined with Catholic rituals introduced during Spanish rule.

For many participants, these acts are not merely religious but deeply personal, often tied to vows made in exchange for answered prayers or as a form of communal bonding. However, health officials remain firm, pointing to documented cases of infections and injuries that burden local healthcare systems each year. With public hospitals now on “Code White” alert—a state of heightened readiness for emergencies—the DOH hopes to mitigate the strain caused by preventable injuries during this period.

Nationwide Safety Measures for Holy Week Travelers

Beyond health concerns, Holy Week in the Philippines is also a time of massive mobility, as millions travel to their hometowns or pilgrimage sites. Recognizing the potential for accidents and overcrowding, various government agencies have mobilized extensive resources to ensure public safety. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed over 65,000 officers nationwide, alongside volunteer groups, to maintain order and assist travelers. Public hospitals and health facilities are on high alert, ready to respond to emergencies ranging from road accidents to health crises stemming from religious activities.

Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon has taken a hands-on approach, personally inspecting seaports and airports to enforce passenger safety regulations, with a particular focus on preventing ship overloading—a recurring issue during holiday periods. On land, where most accidents historically occur, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has stationed around 1,700 enforcers across major thoroughfares. Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, the LTO chief, underscored their dual role in a recent statement: “All our enforcers are deployed in major thoroughfares to at least serve as a deterrent against reckless driving. This is part of the instruction of our Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon [who said] the presence alone of uniformed LTO personnel will compel errant drivers to behave” he explained.

For those who flout traffic rules, Mendoza issued a stern warning: “But for those hard-headed motorists, we will surely run after you. You may escape our enforcers because you drive fast, but our enforcers already know what to do on those kinds of situations to ensure that you will be held responsible for being a kamote (dim-wit) on the road.” The LTO has also encouraged citizens to report violations via its hotline and social media platforms, promising to protect the privacy of informants. This initiative comes on the heels of recent action against two passenger bus drivers, one of whom was caught overspeeding on video despite passenger pleas—an incident that underscores the urgency of stricter enforcement.

Balancing Tradition and Safety

The convergence of religious observance and holiday travel during Holy Week presents a unique challenge for the Philippine government. While respecting cultural and spiritual practices, authorities must navigate the practical realities of public health and safety. The DOH’s warnings against extreme penance are not new, yet their reiteration this year—coupled with the CBCP’s consistent messaging—signals a growing push to reshape how Filipinos engage with these traditions. At the same time, the heightened presence of law enforcement and health personnel reflects an understanding of the period’s significance, both as a time of faith and as a logistical peak.

For many Filipinos, Holy Week remains a deeply personal journey, whether through quiet prayer, communal rituals, or long trips home. As the nation balances these cherished practices with modern safety concerns, the coming days will test the effectiveness of these coordinated efforts. Will the call for safer expressions of faith resonate with communities long steeped in physical penance? And can the government’s measures curb the perennial risks of holiday travel? As processions wind through villages and highways swell with returning families, these questions linger over a country united in devotion yet challenged by the demands of progress.