MANDALUYONG, Philippines—The country’s premier humanitarian organization, Philippine Red Cross (PRC), headed by its Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon dispatched the second batch of humanitarian caravan to provinces gravely affected by the Severe Tropical Storm ‘Kristine’ on October 25. 

The additional assets include a ten-wheeler relief truck to be loaded with relief items, two 10,000-liter water tankers, two water treatment units, a service vehicle, and communication systems (three Starlink units and ten satellite phones).

In addition to the standard relief items, the PRC  will  target to provide mother and baby kits to support pregnant women and new mothers with infants affected by this disaster. These kits are essential for addressing the unique needs of mothers and babies in emergency situations, helping to ensure their health and well-being amid the crisis. A mini van containing 1,000 packs of loaf breads donated by a partner of PRC was also dispatched to Bicol.

“According to the report from our Operations Center, there are more than 68,000 families or over 300,000 individuals affected by ‘Kristine’—that’s pretty alarming. We are in the service of saving lives; alleviating the suffering of our people is our goal. That’s why I decided to send more of our assets and volunteers on the ground to serve and save many others,” said Chairman Gordon. 

“We ensure the safety and well-being of our kababayans especially those in evacuation centers by providing them basic necessities like food and potable water. Malaking bagay ito dahil kahit umalis na ang bagyo, patuloy ang pangangailangan ng mga taong apektado,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 

Last October 23, the PRC mobilized its first batch of humanitarian caravan comprised of an amphibian; two food trucks; two 6×6 rescue trucks; five rubber boats; food truck; two water tankers; two water bladders; two water filtration units; a six-wheeler truck; two generator sets; a ten-wheeler relief truck with 500 sets of jerry cans, 500 kitchen sets, 500 hygiene kits, 500 sleeping kits, and emergency telecommunication units such as satellite internet and satellite phones.

As of October 25, the PRC served hot meals to over 14,450 evacuees; provided psychological first aid to 956 individuals; child-friendly activities to 691 children; rescued 428 people; hygiene promotion sessions to 1,200 individuals; and 481 patients were given medical assistance. 

The PRC has set up 53 welfare desks and 27 first aid stations. PRC has provided 6,711 liters of clean water in evacuation centers and ports. Additionally, 25,000 Doxycycline capsules were distributed in the Bicol Region for leptospirosis prevention. 

The above-stated humanitarian services were delivered in thirty-three (33) typhoon-ravaged provinces nationwide. 

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