Mandaluyong, Philippines—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is all set for the 2025 Midterm Elections, activating its volunteers and assets in various parts of the country from May 9 to 12 to ensure safe, orderly, and peaceful polls. 

According to the PRC, it will deploy 2,314 staff and volunteers, 21 emergency vehicles, 99 foot patrol units, and 56 mobile units. 63 ambulances are on standby in key areas while the rest of PRC’s 178 ambulances are on alert at local chapters. 

PRC will set up 338 first aid stations and 160 welfare desks in various locations: airports, arenas, barangay halls, bus terminals, PRC Chapters, event places, highways, malls, parks, schools, and train stations. 

Additionally, its Red Cross 143 volunteers in every barangay remain on high alert. 

“Sa ating mga kababayan, bumoto kayo dahil karapatan natin ‘yan. Nakaantabay ang buong pwersa ng Philippine Red Cross para bantayan at saklolohan kayo sa mga voting precinct at iba pang lugar. Kung may emergency at kailangan n’yo ng ambulansya para dalhin sa ospital ang pasyente, huwag kalimutang tumawag sa aming free hotline na 143 at mabilis kaming aaksyon,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon reminded the public. 

As many voters return to their provinces to cast their votes, Chairman Gordon reiterated the importance of transport safety to secure the well-being of individuals and reduce the risk of road accidents and deaths. 

“Kamakailan, nakita naman natin na sunod-sunod ang mga insidente sa daan. Ayaw man natin manyari ito, ang peligro ay hindi natin inaasahan. Magpa-myembro kayo sa PRC Safe Card. Sa halagang 1,200 ay may sigurado kayong isang unit ng dugo, ambulansya, at hospitalization coverage. Araw-araw ang operasyon ng Red Cross at kailangan din namin ng inyong suporta. Kaya kung hindi n’yo man magamit ito, nakatulong kayo sa pagpapatuloy ng operasyon ng Red Cross,” Chairman Gordon said. 

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added, “For the 2025 Midterm Elections, the PRC raises the bar even higher. Beyond first aid stations, welfare stations, and standby ambulances, all PRC humanitarian assets—Blood Services, Emergency Response Units, Health and WASH facilities, and our Disaster Management Services are on standby, ready to address any eventuality.” 

As an auxiliary to the government, the PRC partnered with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Health (DOH) to safeguard the welfare of Filipino voters through a memorandum of agreement signed on March 27. 

In the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, the PRC catered to 3,996 patients. It mobilized 1,053 staff and volunteers, 22 roving teams, 17 on-foot patrols, and 60 on-site standby ambulances. 226 first aid stations were also established.