The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), through its newly elected president, Kate Forbes, on May 30 presented Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon a certificate of recognition for the PRC’s successful response to COVID-19 that saved many lives.

Forbes was on a tour of IFRC member countries in Southeast Asia and chose the Philippines as her first stop.

She delivered the keynote message at the World Disasters Report Forum at Makati Shangri-La, presented by the IFRC and PRC, in cooperation with Australian Aid and United Nations (UN) Philippines.

The report highlighted the need for preparedness, “both the ways preparedness ahead of Covid-19 was inadequate, and how to prepare more effectively for future public health emergencies. We must now prepare our societies for the next public health emergency. Being truly prepared, therefore, means being ready to prevent, respond and recover, and to learn lessons for next time.”

Preparedness, the report pointed out, must be based on the principles of trust, equity, and local action. PRC had all three elements, as Forbes explained.

“Our previous model of technical support and asset deployment from the Federation and other National Societies… was no longer effective. We needed to change. We needed to rewrite our playbook. This is where the Philippine Red Cross led the way. It is the case study for success in connecting with and empowering local communities. The Philippine Red Cross has been successful at working in local communities for decades. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the Philippine Red Cross had the tools, resources, and network to help communities. As you can read in the report, the PRC anticipated needs of communities, it leveraged their trust, and implemented local action that kept communities safe.”

The recognition given to Gordon cited his “unwavering commitment and leadership in coordinating Philippine Red Cross’ response to the pandemic, leading nationwide efforts to safeguard lives and livelihoods… His actions serve as a shining example of solidarity and collaboration, uniting nations and communities in the face of adversity.”

Gordon recalled that the support of its corporate partners and its 2 million volunteers allowed the Philippines’ largest humanitarian organization to save lives amid the onslaught of COVID-19.

“We have it in us as a country… to meet every challenge, bear every burden or suffering. But when we get together, especially when we have leaders we can follow, and instead of saying it’s not my problem, we say I’ll be part of the solution,” he said.

The following day, May 31, PRC demonstrated its preparedness with a Mass Casualty Incident Training and Simulation Exercise at the PRC Logistics and Training Center, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo.

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake scenario tested the emergency response capacity of PRC and its chapters in Northern and Central Luzon in managing a mass casualty incident.

Gordon emphasized the importance of the 4Ps of emergency response: Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice.

“One way to prepare for a large-scale disaster, especially an earthquake, is through MCI simulation exercise. Our country is the most disaster-prone in the world. While we cannot wish away hazards, we can focus on preparing for them,” said Gordon.