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.