Philippine Red Cross

Gordon, PH Red Cross continue inspiring path set by Amelia Gordon

Written on September 6, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events.

September 4th marks the birth anniversary of a remarkable figure in Philippine history, the incomparable Mrs. Amelia J. Gordon. Revered as Olongapo’s pioneering female mayor, Amelia’s enduring legacy shines as brightly as her lifelong commitment to children, adoption, and humanitarian causes, which earned her the prestigious Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year Award, a distinction shared by only two other Filipino women.

A beacon of compassion, Mrs. Gordon profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals, adopting more than 50 children and establishing the Boys Town and Girls Home in Olongapo City. These sanctuaries provided shelter and hope to orphaned Filipino children of American descent, etching Amelia’s name in the annals of philanthropy.

Beyond her maternal endeavors, Amelia J. Gordon played a pivotal role in her son Dick Gordon’s journey, who would later become a prominent figure as the Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO. Her devotion to humanitarian causes was exemplified by her role as the founder of the Olongapo Chapter of the Philippine National Red Cross.

Amelia’s legacy was not confined to her philanthropic endeavors. She valiantly championed Olongapo’s quest for independence from American rule and played an instrumental role in the city’s elevation to cityhood in 1966. Following the assassination of her husband, James Gordon Sr., in 1969, Amelia became the city mayor, displaying her indomitable spirit and compassionate heart.

During her tenure as mayor, Amelia competently managed Olongapo City during the tumultuous period of the Vietnam War when it served as a recreational refuge for American soldiers. Her strong leadership ensured peace and security for the city’s inhabitants.

Driven by her humanitarian principles, she launched one of the city’s most significant housing development programs, affirming the human dignity of Olongapo’s burgeoning population. Her political acumen culminated in her election as Assemblywoman to the Batasang Pambansa in 1984.

Even in her retirement from formal politics, Amelia remained devoted to serving her fellow Filipinos, actively contributing as a Red Cross volunteer. She spearheaded blood donation programs and led relief operations in response to disasters, including the Cabanatuan earthquake and the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

Amelia’s achievements and dedication garnered her more accolades, including the Silver Humanitarian Service Cross Award from the American Red Cross, the Gold Humanitarian Award, and the Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon Medal award from the Philippine National Red Cross. She was also honored as a Gintong Ina Awardee and received the Philippine Centennial Commission Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award.

Today, as we commemorate Amelia Gordon’s birthday, we celebrate not just a date on the calendar but a timeless legacy of humanitarianism that continues to inspire generations. Dick Gordon and the Philippine Red Cross carry forward her torch, ensuring that the spirit of compassion and service blazes brightly in Olongapo and beyond.

Philippine Red Cross volunteers, assets on alert as Typhoon ‘Goring’ intensifies

Written on August 26, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is in the midst of preparation as Typhoon Goring (international name: Saola) placed several regions in Northern Luzon under Signal No. 1. PRC’s rescue and relief assets, equipment, and volunteers are ready to move in anticipation of the possible development of the storm into a typhoon category on Saturday (26 August).

Food trucks, water tankers, and payloaders are in place and can be mobilized instantly. Ambulances, generators, and rescue equipment have similarly been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon assured that PRC’s chapters and RC143 volunteers are prepared to be mobilized, adding “Northern Luzon is still reeling from the impacts of Egay and Falcon. Landslides can be expected to occur in this region as it experienced massive amounts of rain during the past weeks. Along with other lifelines such as food, water, electricity, and telecommunications, our payloaders are prepositioned in case landslides, fallen trees, and other debris will block roads and hamper our relief and rescue operations.”

PRC Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang said that the PRC chapters in other parts of Luzon and Visayas are also prepared to respond as Goring is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, which will also cause occasional rains to the mentioned regions.

Philippine Red Cross sends first aiders, gives hot meals to CDO families affected by fire

Written on August 23, 2023. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) attended to 100 individuals, or approximately 20 families, whose houses at Purok 5, Brgy. Tablon, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, were razed by a third-level fire last Monday morning, August 21.

Through its Misamis Oriental-Cagayan De Oro Chapter, the PRC deployed an assessment team with two personnel and a service vehicle with three first aiders to assist the families who lost their houses after providing hot meals, such as arroz caldo.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed concern for the affected families who had to evacuate. He reiterated the importance of PRC’s ongoing efforts to train at least one first aider in every household for emergencies such as this.

“The reason why we are pushing to have a first aider in every community, school, and home is because they will serve as the first responders during emergencies. Other forms of assistance will require time to reach the location of the incident, but if the first aiders reside within the community, we can deliver immediate medical attention and prevent loss of life,” he emphasized.

PRC Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang said it is important to instill discipline in everyone to avoid accidents such as the recent fire in Cagayan de Oro as she urged the public to observe fire safety precautions to prevent indoor and outdoor fire incidents.

PH Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Ever Commonwealth Mall hold blood donation drive for second time this year

Written on August 16, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), and Ever Commonwealth Mall held a blood donation drive, dubbed “Sagip Dugtong Buhay,” at Ever Commonwealth Mall on 11 August 2023. Throngs of blood donors showed up for the event, which resulted in 1,599 bags of blood collected, which can save 6,369 lives.

PRC, the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, and media company GMA Network’s socio-civic arm, GMAKF, have been partners in blood donation drives for 27 years. They aim to contribute to the country’s goal of having an adequate blood supply for medical emergencies. The blood donation drive was held on the occasion of GMAKF founder Mel Tiangco’s birthday.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon thanked Ms. Tiangco for her advocacy, saying: “Mel has defined herself. Tayong lahat kailangan may definition tayo. Ano’ng klaseng tao tayo. Mabuti ba tayong tao? Madaling sabihin ‘yon. Sabi ko nga sa Latin, ‘acta, non-verba’ — action, not words. Kailangan may prinsipyo ka.”

Gordon also thanked the blood donors and acknowledged their sense of service, saying: “Helping other people, giving blood, needs practice. If you do not practise it, makakalimutan mo ‘yan. We salute you! We do not know who gets the blood. It is important for you to realize that.”

Gordon granted the PRC Blood Galloner recognition to those who have donated a gallon of blood so far in their lifetime. PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang made the rounds among the blood donors and personally thanked and acknowledged them.

PRC deploys ambulance, cadaver bag for vehicular crash victims in Mandaluyong

Written on August 11, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) fire truck and ambulance unit responded to a vehicular crash that left one male pedestrian dead and another injured at Madison St. corner Pioneer St. in Mandaluyong City yesterday evening.

The PRC’s Emergency Response Unit extricated the two pedestrians and helped other rescuers provide urgent prehospital treatment and ambulance transport to the injured victim. The PRC’s Emergency Medical Services, meanwhile, provided a cadaver bag for the deceased victim.

From January 1 to August 10 this year, PRC deployed 6,356 ambulance emergency responses — 1,343 of which were to various types of vehicle crashes. A total of 1,246 patients were involved in the vehicular crashes.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed compassion to the families of the victims and noted the importance of accident insurance and a culture of safety as he urged every Filipino to enroll in the organization’s Membership Accident Assistance Benefits (MAAB). “We all have to prepare for risks,” he added.

MAAB is PRC’s membership program, which also provides protection to members through accident insurance coverage in exchange for their volunteer service in PRC’s humanitarian activities, both physically and financially.

Chairman Gordon explained that the membership program helps the humanitarian organization fulfill its steadfast commitment to always be prepared to assist and respond to those in need.

PRC holds medical outreach for 600 in Angono, Rizal

Written on August 8, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

ANGONO, RIZAL — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and its partners held a medical mission in this town last August 5, benefitting almost 600 residents from various barangays.

The PRC spearheaded “Health Caravan: A Medical Outreach” in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Rizal, the Rotary Club through Rotary Club District 3830 Governor Dr. Mildred Vitangcol, and the Latter-Day Saints Charities.

Senior citizens, mothers, children, and persons with disabilities were the priorities of the initiative. They availed themselves of the following services: medical consultation; medicines; health lectures; hygiene kits; vision, hearing, mobility, and cancer screening; laboratory tests; Pneumonia vaccination; and dental services.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said that one of the objectives of the PRC is to deliver healthcare services to communities, particularly in times of disasters and emergencies.

Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, who personally attended the activity, said that eyeglasses and wheelchairs would soon be distributed to the beneficiaries. She explained that the eyeglasses and wheelchairs would be customized to meet each individual’s specific needs. She added that a comfortable wheelchair and a properly-fitting pair of prescription glasses can relatively improve the quality of life of a person with mobility and vision limitations.

The Health Caravan of PRC alone has provided free services to over 28, 000 persons across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao during the first five months of 2023.

Angono Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon lauded the initiative and expressed gratitude to PRC and its partner organizations.

PRC, CCC join forces to intensify country’s climate change adaptation and mitigation programs

Written on July 28, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Climate Change Commission today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to advance public awareness, advocacy campaigns, and programs on climate change adaptation and mitigation at the local level.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon and Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang signed the six-year agreement with CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, and Commissioner, Attorney Rachel Anne Herrera.

The two organizations agreed to collaborate on enhancing the knowledge and projects of communities and local government units on climate change concerns. They are also looking to integrate their tools for current and future policies. PRC pledged its support for the forestation activities of CCC’s Carbon-Zero Challenge, an initiative aimed at reducing the carbon emissions from a product or service.

Chairman Gordon commended the CCC for its commitment to combat climate change. He said: “Through our millions of RC143 volunteers in thousands of communities, we can help implement climate action projects and policies effectively at the community level. One of our goals on why we keep pushing to have a group of trained volunteers in each community is to bring our mission closer to every Filipino.”

Dr. Pang, in her previous discussions on climate change adaptation, has been reiterating the importance of investing in nature-based solutions and sustainable use of natural resources to combat climate change. “We have to work with nature to mitigate the impact of climate change,” she said.

The PRC has been actively campaigning and promoting climate action through its Health Services, Safety Services, Welfare Services, WASH, Disaster Risk Reduction, Anticipatory Action activities, and projects such as educating the youth, equipping PRC chapters with climate change knowledge, community planning, and projects on nature-based solutions.

Philippine Red Cross Deploys Comprehensive Operations for President BBM’s 2nd State of the Nation Address

Written on July 25, 2023. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) stands ready to provide essential support and assistance during the 2nd State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Bongbong Marcos at the Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City, on July 24, 2023. As of 5 AM today, all PRC teams are on standby, equipped and prepared to address any potential emergencies that may arise during this significant event.

PRC’s summary of deployment for the SONA is as follows:

Ambulances: 6
First Aid Stations: 6
Welfare Desks: 6
Manpower: 75

The strategically positioned teams will be deployed across several key areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage and rapid response capabilities. The areas of deployment include:

Camp Karingal
Command Post
Batasan Road South Gate
Batasan Road North Gate
Quezon Memorial Circle
Commission on Human Rights, Commonwealth Ave
Batoda terminal, Commonwealth Ave
Batasan-San Mateo Road

PRC is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public, guests, and officials attending the SONA. The presence of PRC’s well-trained personnel and fully equipped ambulances will provide critical emergency medical services should any situation demand immediate attention.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon stated, “Our dedicated teams have undergone rigorous training to handle various emergency situations effectively. We will always be ready to serve and extend our humanitarian aid wherever it is needed.

PRC encourages everyone attending the SONA to stay vigilant and cooperate with the authorities and the PRC personnel. If any medical assistance is required, the public is urged to approach the nearest PRC team or First Aid Station.
As a humanitarian organization, the Philippine Red Cross has always been at the forefront of disaster response, emergency assistance, and medical services.

Philippine Red Cross trains over 7,000 to mark National CPR Day; to sign MOA with KBP

Written on July 20, 2023. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) marked National CPR Day last Monday by training over 7,000 people on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) through its 102 chapters across the country.

Equipping Filipinos with crucial life-saving skills, PRC conducted 63 comprehensive training sessions to equip communities with the knowledge and skills required to respond effectively to emergencies.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon commended the exceptional efforts of volunteers and staff for the National CPR Day. “It is our goal here at the PRC to have one first aider in every home. Equipping ourselves and our family members with first aid and CPR skills multiplies the chances of survival in emergency situations, creating a nation that is more resilient and better prepared to handle crises,” said Gordon.

Aside from the 7,000 people trained with CPR last July 17, PRC yesterday conducted a first aid and CPR demonstration for the members of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) which supports Chairman Gordon’s vision of building a prepared nation.

Gordon sent Jaylord Abrigado, an officer of PRC’s Safety Services to present to the broadcasting community after KBP Chairman Herman Z. Basbaño requested for hands-on instruction in essential CPR techniques and effective first aid responses to various emergencies.

“Our mission at PRC revolves around saving lives. We are glad to equip KBP members with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively in emergencies. This collaboration marks the beginning of an important alliance, aimed at strengthening community resilience and fostering a culture of preparedness,” said Gordon.

“We are deeply grateful to the Philippine Red Cross for sharing their expertise with us. This training not only enhances the safety awareness of our broadcasting professionals but also empowers them to play a significant role in saving lives in times of crisis,” expressed KBP Chairman Herman Basbaño.

PRC and KBP are exploring a potential partnership through a memorandum of agreement ( MOA ) .

From January to July 2023, the PRC has trained over 84,000 first aiders across the country.

PH Red Cross, JCI Manila, and GMA Kapuso Foundation renew tripartite agreement for an adequate blood supply in the country

Written on June 16, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila, and GMA Kapuso Foundation renewed their tripartite agreement on World Blood Donor Day, 14 June 2023, for an adequate blood supply in the country. The Memorandum of Agreement outlines the roles of the three organizations in reaching their common goal of ensuring an adequate and sustainable supply of safe and quality blood and blood products for the most vulnerable. The three advocates of voluntary blood donation started their collaboration in 2018.

Highlighting the importance of donating blood as an act of service to a fellow human, or a fellow Filipino, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said: “We try to inculcate in the Filipino that he is not there to be served. He is there to serve others.”

JCI Manila President Mr. Eric Ke, GMA Kapuso Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Rikki Escudero-Catibog, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, and PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang signed the agreement.

According to PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, under the agreement, the JCI will help the PRC organize mass blood donation drives; GMA Kapuso Foundation will promote the campaign, while the PRC will provide the human resources and logistics.

GMA Kapuso Foundation has been a longtime partner of the PRC in blood donation drives. The JCI Manila has organized around 30 blood donation drives across the country in collaboration with PRC chapters nationwide, partner hospitals, and local government units.

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Year: 2023