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Year: 2025

PH Red Cross launches CPR Caravan on Nat’l CPR Day, targets 1M participants

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

To further amplify the importance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as a lifesaving skill and reinforce its call for more first aiders, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) held a series of activities nationwide to celebrate the National CPR Day on July 17 with the theme: Shaping Culture: Towards a CPR-Ready Philippines. 

A simultaneous CPR was conducted at the University of the East Campus, targeting 2,000 students and school personnel. Meanwhile, 50,000 individuals participated in a mass CPR demonstration at PRC’s 102 chapters across the country. 

One of the major highlights of the program was the launch of the CPR Caravan, which will run from July 18 to the World Restart a Heart Day on October 16. The Caravan aims to educate at least one million participants nationwide, equipping them with knowledge and competence on how to save lives through performing CPR. 

The PRC is offering these training sessions to the public for free. The CPR demonstration schedules will be announced soon. 

“We’re observing CPR Day by Proclamation 551 or the “National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Day.” You cannot save a life if you don’t know what to do. That’s why it is important to learn and practice that lifesaving skill.  I even trained my grandchildren to do CPR,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon stated. 

“By learning CPR, you can be a hero because it gives you the power to save lives. We’re doing these efforts because we want to build a culture of safety among Filipinos by having at least one trained first aider in every household,” he added.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang mentioned that for this year, the PRC is promoting the ASAP strategy in implementing CPR knowledge and skill effectively,” This year, we are highlighting our ASAP strategy for CPR: A for Awareness, we have to make more people to be aware about the importance of CPR; S for Skills, you need to be skilled to perform it right and well; A for Access, we are influencing people to be sustainable by using jerry cans as a DIY mannequin for example; and P for Perform, when you finally learn it, you’ll be more confident to perform it. The PRC continues its call to action by raising awareness to achieve a CPR-Ready Philippines.

These initiatives are in support of the implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 10871, a law aimed at equipping citizens with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond to health emergencies.

UNITED TO SAVE LIVES: PH RED CROSS, ROTARY CLUB DISTRICT 3850 COLLECTED OVER 400 BLOOD UNITS ON BLOOD DONORS’ MONTH KICKOFF

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

In line with the celebration of the Blood Donors’ Month, the Philippine Red Cross and Rotary Club District 3850 joined forces for another lifesaving initiative through “Unite for Good: Give Blood, Save Lives”—a nationwide simultaneous blood donation on July 1. 

The event brought together Rotarians, blood donors, volunteers, and medical personnel to share the gift of life through blood donation. 

A total of 426 blood units were collected after conducting successful bloodletting activities in Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Zamboanga City, and Basilan. 

“The Red Cross and Rotary Club not only share the same initials, but the same passion to serve the most vulnerable. I admire the selflessness of our blood donors and the inspiring leadership of the Rotary District 3850 Governor Victor “Pip” Acepcion who spearheaded this mass bloodletting drive wherein we gathered over 400 blood units—what a perfect way to kick-off the Blood Donors Month and the new Rotary year,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon stated. 

Rotary District 3850 Governor Victor “Pip” Acepcion thanked the PRC as the organization also welcomed the new Rotary year, “Thank you also for allowing us to make the new Rotary year more meaningful! Here’s to more collaboration with the PRC. Happy new Rotary year and Blood Donors’ Month!” 

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General and Rotary Club of Manila 101 member Dr. Gwen Pang added that, “The Philippine Red Cross remains the major blood supplier in the country because of the heroism of every blood donor as well as the unfaltering support of our partner organizations like the Rotary Club.” 

“On behalf of the PRC, we’re very grateful to the Rotary Club District 3850 under the strong leadership of Governor Pip, who is also a member of the Board of Directors of the PRC Capiz chapter, to all the unstoppable Rotary Chairpersons who showed inspiration and support, and to all blood donors who shared their precious blood so others may live, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat,” she added. 

The PRC announced that more mass blood donation drives will take place this July.

PH RED CROSS AMBULANCE: THE PEOPLE’S LIFELINE

Written on . Posted in Features.

Accidents and emergencies can happen unexpectedly.  When you or a loved one is stuck in a life-and-death situation, do you know who to call? 

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provides round-the-clock ambulance services through its 178 ambulance units and a network of professionally trained Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams strategically stationed in the organization’s 102 chapters nationwide. 

Yes, they are ready to respond 24/7 wherever you are in the country. And yes, you can instantly get their help by simply dialing a toll-free number on your mobile phone or landline. 

Hotline 143 

Former senator and the current PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon reiterates the organization’s toll-free hotline 143 which the public may call in times of emergencies, including a need for an immediate ambulance service for patient conduction.

“You can help save a life by dialing the Red Cross 143 hotline because our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) team is always ready to respond 24/7. It’s so easy to remember because 143 means ‘I love you’. PRC cares for you, and you are all important to us,” Gordon said. 

Mel Villacorta recalled how the Philippine Red Cross saved her husband’s life after he fell on the ground and hit his head one morning. 

“My husband was so sleepy while going to the bathroom. He fell and hit his head. It was bleeding and I had to call the Red Cross hotline 143 for an ambulance. The ambulance came in less than ten minutes. Unlike the other ambulance provider that we got last year that arrived 40 minutes after the incident.” 

An EMS responder, Ken Amistad shared his most unforgettable experience of working with the Red Cross. 

“Ang hindi ko po malilimutang response ay noong naisalba namin ang buhay ng isang pasyente matapos ang tatlong cycle ng CPR sa loob ng ambulansya ng Red Cross. Nakakatulong ako sa kapwa ng walang hinihintay na kapalit. Ito po ang pinakamasaya sa pagiging EMS responder,” Amistad mentioned. 

Cheaper yet of high-quality

The PRC ambulances include essential medical equipment for emergency response such as Basic Life Support (BLS) equipment, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), oxygen, trauma kits, stretchers, ventilators, and cardiac monitors. 

PRC’s rate for patient conduction or the process of safely transferring a patient from one location to another, starts at 5,0000 pesos. This is way cheaper from 5,500 to 20,000 pesos charge of other ambulance providers for the same service. 

If you have an event and you want to ensure the safety of attendees from start to finish, the PRC is offering an ambulance and a fully-equipped first aid station on standby for a starting price of only 3,0000 pesos. 

Be a Safe Card member

The PRC recently launched its membership program ‘Safe Card’ which entitles its members to blood supply, ambulance service, and accident-related hospitalization coverage, among others. You can get all these benefits for an annual membership fee of 1,200 pesos or 100 pesos per month. 

If you’re lucky enough to survive a year without being involved in an accident, your contribution will help the PRC sustain its numerous humanitarian missions for our most vulnerable kababayans. 

“By being a Safe Card member, you’re not just protecting yourself from unforeseen events, but you’re helping the Red Cross to continue its mission to save lives. Our chairman wants to add more ambulances in the future so we can serve and reach more people,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang stated. 

Frankly, there are lots of government or non-government ambulance providers out there. However, if you picture yourself or a loved one in a critical situation, where every second counts, calling 143 would be a great choice.

PH RED CROSS SHOWS NONSTOP EFFORTS TO COMBAT DENGUE

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

In observance of Dengue Awareness Month this June, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) strengthened its commitment to stop the spread of dengue disease as the rainy season began. 

Despite the fact that dengue cases continued to decline over the last ten weeks, according to the Department of Health, PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said that the PRC is strengthening its nationwide efforts, especially in dengue hot spot areas. 

“We continue to monitor the dengue situation in our country through our dedicated Health Services teams and Red Cross volunteers working tirelessly on the ground lalo na ngayon at nag-umpisa na ang tag-ulan. We want to assure everyone that the Philippine Red Cross has an ample supply of safe and quality blood nationwide. We remain committed to saving lives, ensuring that every Filipino in need receives quality healthcare and support from us,” Chairman Gordon stated. 

As of June 15, PRC’s dengue information drive reached 35,000 individuals and 70 schools. The organization’s cleanup activities were conducted in 450 barangays with approximately 9,000 volunteers mobilized. 

Last February 22 to 23 this year, the PRC’s nationwide simultaneous cleanup drive “Linis BEATs Dengue” reached 375 communities with 6,210 volunteers deployed from various PRC chapters. 

“Dengue is preventable, and it starts with clean homes and communities. We are encouraging everyone to make this a community activity, after all, a clean environment is a safe environment. For dengue patients, PRC has 109 blood facilities nationwide so we ensure that we have enough blood supply to help you recover,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 

The PRC encourages the public to become members of the Philippine Red Cross through the Safe Card membership program, which entitles members to one unit of whole blood, ambulance service, and accident-related hospitalization coverage for an annual fee of 1,200 pesos or 100 pesos per month. PRC also stated that aside from the mentioned perks, there are additional benefits covered by the Safe Card, which includes dengue treatment.

PH RED CROSS’ KANLAON OPERATION ONGOING, SERVING OVER 29,000 AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

The foremost humanitarian organization in the country, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), continues to shed light and aid for thousands of vulnerable individuals affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption for more than 170 days or six months. 

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Mount Kanlaon is still in Alert Level 3 with intensified magmatic unrest, which means it is currently in a relatively high level of unrest and hazardous eruption within days or weeks. It is therefore recommended that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) remain evacuated due to the danger of PDCs, lava flows, rock falls, and other volcanic hazards. Citizens are advised not to return to the danger zone area due to the threat of the impact of volcanic eruption. 

Responding effectively and efficiently to the needs of affected Filipinos, the PRC deployed a pool of humanitarian assets within Negros Oriental and Occidental, including areas within the Visayas Region. PRC mobilized four food trucks, four ambulances, and a payloader. 

“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating operasyon sa Kanlaon. Sa loob ng anim na buwan, walang patid ang pagbibigay natin ng tulong at pag-asa sa ating mga kababayang apektado ng pagsabog ng bulkan. Makakaasa po kayo na palaging nariyan ang Philippine Red Cross upang kayo ay saklolohan at tulungang makabangon,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon stated. 

As of June 16, the organization distributed hot meals to 29,195 individuals; 330 food packs; 1,563 pieces of bread, kitchen sets, blankets, and mosquito nets to 296 families; 1,099 pieces of face masks; and 11,200,500 liters of potable water. 

PRC set up four water stations with bladders, 59 first aid stations, and 104 welfare desks. 

Additionally, it conducted hygiene promotions, health consultations, health promotion sessions, psychological first aid, child-friendly activities, and clearing operations. 

“The PRC remains on high alert as we continue to provide necessary support to the affected people in Negros and nearby areas. We will continue to monitor the situation through our Red Cross staff and volunteers on the ground. Sa ating mga kababayan, manatili po tayong alerto at sumunod sa safety protocols para sa inyong kaligtasan,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang said. 

For emergency assistance, call the PRC hotline at 143.

‘PHIL RED CROSS HAS ENOUGH BLOOD FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY’-GORDON

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

Relying on a voluntary blood donation system since 1947 for adequate, safe, quality and affordable blood supply, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) assures the public that it has sufficient blood for the whole nation. 

“Our Assistant Secretary-General and Head of National Blood Services Dr. Christie Monina Nalupta reported to me that there is a prominent hospital in need of blood supply. In fact, we established partnerships with St. Lukes Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, AC Healthway Cancer Center and Sacred Heart Malolos for their blood supply whenever they need it,” Chairman Gordon said. 

“I assure our people that the Philippine Red Cross is ready to provide blood to hospitals across the country. May daily monitoring tayo ng nakukuhang dugo mula sa blood facilities natin, inire-report ‘yan sa Operations Center namin sa National Headquarters kaya siguradong sapat ang supply ng dugo para sa ating mga kababayan,” Gordon added. 

As the country’s major blood supplier, PRC ensures a steady blood supply from voluntary blood donation from its regular donors and partners, creating a culture of volunteerism through its dynamic blood donation efforts. 

In 2024, the PRC collected 588,575 blood units; dispensed 608,484 blood bags; and served 301,852 patients.  

From its first blood bank in 1947, the PRC now has 109 operational blood facilities nationwide. 

For blood inquiries and concerns, the public may call the PRC’s hotline at 1158.

COMELEC COMMENDS PH RED CROSS FOR 2025 ELECTION EFFORTS

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed appreciation to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for its contribution to the success of the recently concluded 2025 National and Local Elections. 

In a commendation letter addressed to PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon on May 30, COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia thanked the humanitarian organization for its invaluable support and steadfast commitment to ensuring safe, orderly, and peaceful elections.

“The efforts of the Philippine Red Cross stand as a powerful testament to your dedication to transparency, partnership, and excellence in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic processes. The professionalism, diligence, and sense of duty displayed by your team throughout this pivotal period reflect the highest standards of public service and have not gone unnoticed,” penned Chairman Garcia. 

“As we move forward and prepare for the upcoming elections, we look forward to sustaining this strong and principled partnership. With your continued support, we are confident in our collective ability to uphold the sanctity of the ballot and ensure that every Filipino vote is protected and respected,” he added. 

Meanwhile, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon attributed the success of the operation to the exemplary commitment of PRC staff and volunteers, who are always ready to answer the call of duty. 

“Our volunteers have been deployed to their respective assigned areas since May 9. On the election day, they were at the voting precincts at 4 a.m. until the very end. Our volunteers are not paid to do that; they even have the option to stay at home due to extreme heat, but they choose to go out and serve the people. Like I always say, nobody can beat the heart of a Red Cross volunteer. I am very proud of them,” Chairman Gordon said. 

PRC is an independent, autonomous, and non-governmental organization that serves as an auxiliary to the government in the humanitarian field. It does not get its funds from the government but it assists the Philippine government in providing relief, health, and welfare services to the most vulnerable, particularly during disasters and emergencies. 

According to the final ground report released by the PRC for its 2025 election operations, it assisted 11,745 patients. It deployed 2,881 staff and volunteers, 67 ambulances, 31 mobile units, 31 foot patrol units, and 21 emergency vehicles. 

Additionally, it set up 413 first aid stations, a mobile clinic, and 182 welfare desks where 580 individuals were assisted.

PH RED CROSS’ FOOD TRUCKS SERVE NEARLY 15,000 IN THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS OF 2025 

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to provide lifesaving services during disasters and emergencies including ready-to-eat and healthy meals, making a difficult situation bearable for vulnerable individuals affected by catastrophes. 

PRC’s 36 food trucks positioned in 102 PRC chapters nationwide delivered hot meals to 14,855 people through the Hot Meals on Wheels Program in the first and second quarters this year.  

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon underscored the importance of food trucks in combating the country’s hunger problem. 

“Mahalaga ang food trucks ng PRC dahil nakakatulong tayo sa maibsan ang alalahanin ng mga taong naapektuhan ng kalamidad lalo na ang mga nasa evacuation centers na kadalasan ay walang gamit sa pagluluto. Hindi lang natin sila hinahainan ng disenteng pagkain, nagbibigay ang PRC ng pag-asa. Sa pamamagitan ng Hot Meals on Wheels Program na milyon-milyon na ang napakain, naipadarama natin sa ating mga kababayan na hindi sila nag-iisa. Besides, when I was a senator, I authored the Food Donation Law. All they have to do is to properly implement it,” Gordon said. 

The Food Donation Law (RA 9803), authored by Gordon, aims to reduce hunger and food waste by encouraging food establishments to donate wholesome food to charitable organizations for distribution to those in need.

The first four PRC food trucks were donated by Gordon in 2005 to combat malnutrition in various schools in Metro Manila. These were positioned in the PRC chapters in Pasay, NHQ-Mandaluyong, Quezon City, and Manila. 

PRC’s food trucks can feed a hundred individuals per hour and are equipped with industrial-size burners, steamers, and other cooking equipment. All ingredients of the Hot Meals on Wheels program are locally sourced to support local farmers and fisherfolk. 

“We ensure that the meals we serve are not only healthy but safe for consumption. The PRC provides rigorous training programs for our volunteer chefs and nutritionists to ensure safety and dignified food preparations for the people we serve,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 
Since 2012, the PRC Hot Meals on Wheels program has served hot meals to 1,794,599 individuals from its various humanitarian operations.

READY FOR ACTION: PH RED CROSS ACTIVATES VOLUNTEERS, ASSETS FOR RAINY SEASON 

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, Philippines—Showcasing its capacity and readiness to respond to disasters, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) immediately activated its two million volunteers and emergency response assets as the rainy season begins. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon directed PRC staff and volunteers from the national headquarters and 102 chapters nationwide to plan and prepare for possible rescue and relief operations as a low-pressure area (LPA) and southwest monsoon (habagat) continue to bring rains to several parts of the country. 

“The Philippine Red Cross is ready and on high alert as we officially enter the rainy season. Taun-taon tayong naghahanda para rito at mas pinapalakas pa natin ang ating kapasidad para mas marami tayong buhay na mapangalagaan at maligtas,” Chairman Gordon stated.  

PRC advises the public to uphold the organization’s 4Ps in disaster management—Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice. 

“Preparation is the key to survival. Our country is prone to tropical cyclones due to its geographical location, that’s why I highly urge our people to be vigilant and practice 4Ps. Nandito ang Red Cross para tulugan kayo anumang oras, pero mahalaga rin na alam ninyo kung paano tulungan ang inyong mga sarili sa oras ng sakuna,” he added. 

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang reminded the public to build their personal ‘Go Bag’ to prepare themselves for possible evacuation. 

“Even before a disaster strikes, we encourage everyone to organize their personal ‘Go Bag’ which contains essential supplies like food, water, emergency tools, medicines, clothes, money, and important documents that can last for a few days. Mahalaga ito para handa tayo sa posibleng paglikas,” Dr. Pang said.

The PRC will mobilize its eight regional warehouses,178 ambulances, 36 food trucks, 29 water tankers, 21 Volunteer Emergency Response Vehicles (VERVs), amphibious vehicles, rescue boats, and other response vehicles, as well as a dedicated drone and satellite internet communications network.

In addition, the PRC will also mobilize 17 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) hubs equipped with mobile purification systems and emergency water bladders; three field hospitals; 128 medical tents; and 5,700 medical corps volunteers. These services are supported by PRC’s 109 blood facilities, mobile health units, and vaccination buses. 

For emergencies, the public may call the PRC’s 24/7 hotline by dialing 143. 

HUMANITARIAN FLEET READY FOR ACTION: PH RED CROSS RECEIVES ADDT’L ASSETS FROM PARTNERS

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

Mandaluyong, Philippines—Reinvigorating its commitment to saving lives during disasters and emergencies, the Philippine Red Cross added a new set of humanitarian fleets from its partner organizations—five (5) Volunteer Emergency Response Vehicles (VERV), a service vehicle, and a bloodmobile unit. The turnover ceremony was held on May 28 at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong. 

The five VERVs were donated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to be used by PRC Chapters in Northern Samar, Agusan del Sur, General Santos-Sarangai, South Cotabato, and Zamboanga Sibugay. VERV functions as a vehicle for the mobilization of volunteers during critical operations, assistance in evacuation efforts, and pick-up or delivery of lifesaving items to PRC chapters and beneficiaries. A service vehicle also from ICRC will be positioned at the PRC Chapter in Sulu. 

Additionally, a new bloodmobile from the Rotary Club of San Juan Del Monte District 3800 and the Rotary Club of Gyeongju East District 3630 will be used by the PRC Rizal Chapter. This asset is equipped with donor beds, sterile blood collection systems, and donor comfort amenities, ensuring convenience in the blood donation process and rapid delivery of blood supply, especially in geographically isolated communities. 

“The Philippine Red Cross has been busier and more involved. These additional assets are very useful for our continued efforts to alleviate human suffering. I’m glad to see our donors and chapters who are here today; you should help us spread and also be part of the PRC Safe Card which means you are all contributors to making sure that the Red Cross has more assets—bloodmobile units, ambulances, food trucks, water tankers, field hospitals, and so on—ang lahat ng ito ay napapakinabangan ng mga Pilipino at ng bayan,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said. 

“These assets will be supporting our operations on the ground. This is so important to make our presence felt during our emergency and disaster responses. To our donors, thank you for making the PRC your partner of choice,” PRC Secretary-General and Rotary Club of Manila 101 member Dr. Gwen Pang added. 

With these additional assets, the PRC now has 21 VERVs and three bloodmobile units prepositioned in various PRC chapters nationwide. 

The event was graced by the members of the PRC Board of Directors, chapter administrators, and representatives from the ICRC and Rotary Club. 

Philippine Red Cross

Born officially in 1947, but with roots that traces back to the revolutionary days, the Philippine Red Cross has truly become the premier humanitarian organization in the country, committed to provide quality life-saving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations.

Address: 37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550
Emergency Hotline: 143
Trunkline +63 2 8790 2300
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