Philippine Red Cross

PH RED CROSS ALERTS THE PUBLIC AGAINST HEAT-RELATED EMERGENCIES AMID RISING HEAT INDICES

Written on March 5, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) warns the public against heat-related emergencies such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which are very common with high heat indices.

According to the PRC, heat-related emergencies are heat-induced emergencies that can happen when prolonged exposure to high temperatures affects the body’s natural temperature control system. When the body cannot effectively dissipate the excessive heat, its temperature rises, leading to an emergency.

The PRC stated that children, persons with disabilities (PWDs), elderlies, and outside workers are among the most at high risk of heat-related emergencies. Hence, several local government units in the country announced class suspensions on March 3 and 4 following warnings from the state bureau PAGASA of areas under ‘danger’ classification with temperatures ranging from 45°C to 46°C.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon shared simple tips on how to stay safe and protected.

“There are three simple things to remember to protect yourself and your loved ones against heat-related emergencies, specifically heat stroke: first is to stay hydrated and avoid sugary drinks, second is to stay in well-ventilated areas, and third is to wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. I also advise the public to stay indoors unless extremely necessary,” Gordon said.

The PRC announced that the symptoms of heat stroke are the absence of sweating; red, hot, dry, and flushed skin; confusion, and disorientation. Moreover, the symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, paleness, dizziness, vomiting, fainting, and moist skin.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang reiterated that the public may call the PRC Hotline 143 which is accessible 24/7 for those who might experience symptoms of heat-related emergencies.

“If someone experiences symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, move the patient to a cooler area, spray water on the skin, immerse the patient in cool water (for heat stroke), have the patient drink an Oral Rehydration Solution (for heat exhaustion), and call the PRC’s 24/7 hotline at 143 for immediate assistance,” Dr. Pang added.

PRC offers 24/7 ambulance services, with its 178 ambulance units strategically positioned nationwide.

BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY: PH RED CROSS, ARMY SIGNAL REGIMENT UNITE TO STRENGTHEN BLOOD DONATION CAUSE

Written on February 19, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City—Amid the high demand for blood due to the rising cases of dengue in the country, a memorandum of undertaking that intensifies the partnership on blood donation campaign between the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Army Signal Regiment (ASR) of the Philippine Army was signed on February 18, 2025, at the ASR Headquarters in Taguig City.

The agreement states that the PRC and ASR shall conduct a regular blood donation activity to ensure continuous and ready availability of blood.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang pointed out the importance of the partnership to contribute to the nation’s blood requirement.

“Sa ating bansa, ang pangangailangan natin ng dugo ay nasa 1.2 million bags of blood annually. Ang PRC ay nakakalikom ng more than 500,000 bags of blood, ang remaining amount of blood ay galing sa iba’t ibang private and government organizations. As a single organization, tayo po ang may pinakamalaking ambag. Nag-invest po talaga ang Red Cross ng 108 blood service facilities all over the country, para kahit saan ka man magpunta ay may access ang tao sa dugo,” Dr. Pang said.

“Hindi lamang po ito isang pormal na kasunduan, ito po ay isang panata na patuloy nating gagampanan ang ating mga tungkulin hindi lang sa pagtatanggol sa ating bayan, kundi pati na rin sa pagsagip ng buhay sa pamamagitan ng blood donation,” Dr. Pang added.

“This MOU is not just a document but a testament to our shared commitment to service that extends beyond our sworn duty to protect our nation, reaching the very core of humanitarian assistance—sharing our precious blood so that others may live. Salamat sa inyo dahil maraming pagkakataon na nabigyan ng dugo ang sugatan namin mga kasama sa field. As we sign this agreement, let this be the start of a strengthened partnership. Together, we ensure that no call for help is left unanswered and no life is lost due to lack of resources,” Brig. Gen. Jamel Samonte PA stressed.

336 blood units have been collected since the partnership between the PRC and ASR began in 2021.

The next nationwide bloodletting activity of PRC and ASR will take place on March 7 this year.

PH Red Cross Intensifies B.E.A.T. Dengue Campaign Amid Nationwide Surge in Cases

Written on February 19, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

Responding quickly to the rising number of dengue cases in the country, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) intensifies its “B.E.A.T. Dengue Campaign” under the leadership of PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon, the B.E.A.T. Dengue Campaign is a nationwide dengue outbreak prevention and response plan that started in 2024.

“B.E.A.T.” stands for Break breeding sites by mobilizing Red Cross 143 volunteers to help mobilize communities for dengue prevention and response activities; Educate the community through the dissemination of dengue-related communication materials; Assist dengue patients and hospitals by providing ambulances, blood, welfare desks, and medical tents; and Trace dengue hotspot areas through PRC’s 102 chapters across the country.

“We don’t just provide blood for dengue patients, the ongoing beat dengue campaign around the country mobilizes communities to work together in dengue prevention and response. The dengue cases are still rising and according to the DOH, we are expecting more areas to declare dengue outbreaks. Mahalaga na handa tayo at alam natin ang gagawin para maiwasan ang pagdami pa ng kaso ng pagkakasakit. Alam natin na delikado ang dengue at maaaring makamatay. Huwag na nating iasa sa iba ang paglilinis ng kapaligiran, tayo na mismo ang kumilos para sa ating kaligtasan. Magtulungan po tayong lahat para magligtas ng buhay,” said Chairman Gordon.

According to PRC Health Services, 15 PRC Chapters have already conducted community-level dengue prevention activities such as distribution of information materials and clean-up drives in 24 key communities in Quezon City, Caloocan, Marikina, Kalinga, Bataan, Tarlac, Mountain Province, Bulacan, Abra, Cebu, Iligan, Misamis Oriental, General Santos City, Surigao Norte, and Agusan Sur; this mobilization has reached over 3,000 individuals.

“Prevention is better than cure. We don’t wait to be infected before we act. The PRC is continuously educating the public about dengue prevention, but if a dengue patient needs blood, we have a robust blood supply,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

From January to mid-February of 2025, the PRC dispensed 1,078 blood units for dengue cases, a 106% increase from 524 blood units in 2024. The public may call the PRC hotline 1158 for dengue-related concerns.

PH RED CROSS, READY TO SUPPLY BLOOD AMID DENGUE SURGE

Written on February 17, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

With Quezon City recently declaring a dengue outbreak and the Department of Health reporting an upward trend in cases—surpassing 28,000 as of February—Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon assures the public that a sufficient blood supply is readily available for those affected by the mosquito-borne disease.

The City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (CESD) of the Quezon City Health Department reported a surge in dengue cases from January 1 to February 14, with 1,769 recorded—nearly a 200% increase compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) reported a 40% rise in nationwide cases, with a total of 28,234 cases logged.

“I always remind everyone that the Red Cross is ready to provide blood anytime, anywhere—libre at laging may dugo sa Red Cross. With the rising demand for blood, especially as dengue cases increase across the country, we are committed to ensuring that every hospital has the supply it needs to save lives,” said PRC Chairman Gordon.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang stressed the importance of blood donation as demand for blood is high during dengue outbreaks.

“I encourage everyone to make blood donation your lifestyle because this is not only good for your health, but it also helps save lives,” Dr. Pang said.

The PRC reiterated the organization’s capacity to supply blood. From January to mid-February of 2025, the PRC was able to dispense 1,078 blood units for dengue cases, a 106% increase from 524 blood units in 2024.

Moreover, the PRC served 360 dengue patients from January to mid-February of 2025, a 109% increase in the number of patients provided with blood compared to 172 patients from the previous year.

The PRC has 102 chapters nationwide, 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers.

For blood assistance and other emergencies, the public may call the PRC hotline 143.

PHILHAIR, PH RED CROSS SERVE OVER 20,000 FILIPINOS VIA HEALTH-BEAUTY CARAVAN

Written on February 5, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Hairdressers Association (PhilHair) in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and other allies kicked off the fourth year of Health and Beauty Caravan on February 4 at SM Megamall Fashion Hall, Mandaluyong City.

The PRC’s partnership with PhilHair for the Health and Beauty Caravan started in 2022 and has already reached 20,292 individuals. The program offers a wide range of free services such as medical consultations with basic medicines; health and hygiene education lectures; emergency first aid demonstrations for barangay health workers; distribution of hygiene kits, mother’s kits for pregnant women, newborn kits, and vaccination, among others.

Additionally, 95 vulnerable communities were reached in almost a hundred caravans conducted nationwide in the span of three years.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang shared “Four years ago, tumawag si Mother Ricky na pag-usapan namin ito. Sabi n’ya, alam kong gustong-gusto ni Chairman Gordon ang ganitong programa. Mother shared her goals on how we can better serve communities na hindi lang dapat beauty caravan. Nung nakasama ang Red Cross at Philippine Cancer Society, naging Health and Beauty Caravan na s’ya.”

“Thank you Mother Ricky for the opportunity for the Philippine Red Cross to join you in all your caravans. Makakaasa po kayo na tuloy-tuloy po ang PRC in supporting your program kasama ang iba pang partners going to different provinces and cities upang magbigay ng tulong. Sabi nga ni Mother, importante na hindi lang maganda ang ating panlabas na kaanyuan, dapat maganda rin ang ating kalusugan,” Dr. Pang added.

Meanwhile, PhilHair President and renowned fashion guru “Mother” Ricky Reyes pointed out that “The main goal of this caravan is reaching out to people. Maraming tao ang nangangailangan; if no one will reach out, walang mangyayari sa kanila.”

“Kasama ko ang Red Cross on the ground, pag nakikita kong nakapila ang mga tao sa kanila, happy na ako do’n dahil hindi lahat ng tao gustong gawin ‘yan. Pero ang Red Cross na willing sumama all the time, I’m very happy with that.”

Apart from various humanitarian services that the caravan offers, the PRC also mobilized doctors, nurses, and trained Red Cross 143 volunteers as part of this life-saving initiative.

PH RECEIVES BLOODMOBILE TRUCK FROM FOTON, REINFORCING BLOOD DONATION CAMPAIGN

Written on February 4, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Quezon City Chapter acquired a brand-new bloodmobile truck from Foton Motors Philippines Inc. on February 3, intensifying the capacity of the PRC QC Chapter in blood collection to help more vulnerable people in need of blood transfusion to live.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, on behalf of PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon, mentioned, “On behalf of the PRC family, we would like to thank Foton Motors Philippines Inc. for this top-class bloodmobile truck. This will allow us to bring lifesaving blood donation services closer to communities and people, ensuring a steady supply of safe blood for patients who need it most.”

In addition to the donated bloodmobile truck from Foton, a blood laboratory from SM Foundation Inc., a water outboard motor from the PRC QC Chapter Dir. Johnny Yu, and 15 sets of firefighter suits courtesy of the PRC Board of Directors were also turned over.

“We also express our deep appreciation to SM Foundation for their generous donation to converting our warehouse to a blood laboratory. This facility will enhance our capacity to process, test, and store blood efficiently; ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality, to Dir. Johnny Yu, your donation of water outboard will greatly strengthen our emergency response, especially during floods. And to our PRC QC Chapter Board of Directors for donating 15 sets of firefighter suits which will enhance the safety and effectiveness of our firefighter volunteers in responding to fire. Each donation is a testament to the power of collaboration and unwavering humanitarian spirit that drives the PRC,” Dr. Pang added.

Representative of Foton Philippines President Rommel Sytin, Kenneth Sytin said, “This donation of a mobile truck is our way of supporting critical missions, ensuring that blood is available in times of emergencies. We share the Red Cross’ commitment to saving lives in a timely and efficient manner.”

Representative of SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs and PRC QC Chapter Board of Director Connie Angeles, Albert Uy cited, “The transformation of this warehouse into a blood laboratory is not just a renovation, but a testament to our shared commitment to health, wellness, and wellbeing of our community.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Council for Fire Volunteer Organizations of the Philippines and PRC QC Chapter Board of Director Johnny Yu remarked, “The PRC has always been a beacon of hope and inspiration. Our collective efforts have touched countless lives—transformed communities and created lasting change. We are a driving force in fighting diseases, providing blood services, supporting education and training, and disaster resiliency. With this, we would continue to support the PRC in whatever manner we can.”

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

GORDON: PH RED CROSS’ 38TH FOOD TRUCK ON THE WAY, MORE ADVANCED AND COMPLETE

Written on February 1, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES—Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman & CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon announced that the PRC just purchased a new food truck which is more advanced, an addition to its existing 37 food trucks used to provide immediate food supply for vulnerable people in evacuation centers during disasters and emergencies.

According to the PRC, the newly procured food truck (Hyundai HD78 GT 14ft Food Truck with 1 Ton Tailgate Lifter) has an air conditioning system and a refrigerator that helps in maintaining the freshness and quality of food especially if it needs to be brought to far-flung areas; it also has three solar panels. It is expected to come in February and will be positioned at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong.

PRC Chairman and the author of Food Donation Law (RA 9803), Dick Gordon stated that “The PRC is expanding and innovating. We are not only addressing hunger, but we’re giving people dignity by serving them decent and healthy meals. And we’re planning to add more food trucks in the future.”

“In times of catastrophes, food is highly essential. When you’re in an evacuation center, you cannot cook because you don’t have what you need. By serving them ready-to-eat meals, we’re alleviating the suffering of our kababayans because they don’t have to worry about it anymore. Maliit na bagay pero makabuluhan,” Chairman Gordon added.

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.

Currently, the PRC owns 37 donated food trucks prepositioned across its 102 chapters nationwide, ready to be deployed as needed. The PRC food trucks can feed a hundred individuals per hour and are equipped with industrial-size burners, steamers, and other cooking equipment. Additionally, the PRC mentioned that all ingredients for its Hot Meals on Wheels program are locally sourced to support local farmers and fisherfolk.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang mentioned “The PRC is also mobilizing professionally trained volunteer chefs and nutritionists to ensure safety and dignified hot meal preparations to vulnerable communities.”

From 2005 to January 2025, the PRC’s Hot Meals on Wheels program served 1.7 million hot meals from its numerous operations.

PRODUCING REAL-LIFE HEROES: PH RED CROSS, ELIZABETH SETON SCHOOL LAUNCH 11TH DUGTONG BUHAY BLOODLETTING DRIVE

Written on February 1, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

LAS PIÑAS, PHILIPPINES—Following the Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) call for continuous collaboration to ensure the nation’s stable blood supply, the PRC and Elizabeth Seton School kick off the 11th Dugtong Buhay bloodletting drive on January 31, 2025.

In a statement, PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed gratitude to the academic institution as well as to the blood donors for their selfless contribution to this noble cause.

“Your Philippine Red Cross remains the major blood supplier in the country; we were able to maintain this status because of every blood donor and advocate like you. On behalf of the PRC, we would like to thank the entire administration of the Elizabeth Seton School for your tireless efforts to promote the importance of blood donation. You are not just producing excellent learners but real-life heroes,” Gordon said.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, who served as guest of honor, inspired the students and school personnel by saying “The Dugtong Buhay blood donation drive began in October 1995, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Josefina Suarez and Governor Rosa Rosal. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, our previous blood drives brought in 4,000 to 6,000 bags annually, with each campus in Las Piñas and Cavite contributing 1,000 to 1,500 bags. Dugtong Buhay has achieved one of the largest single blood donations ever recorded to the PRC.”

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Seton School President Dr. Roberto “Bob” Borromeo mentioned “It’s an opportunity for members of the community—our learners and faculty to live out our values of faith, love, and selfless service. We would like our learners to recognize the value of donating blood; they’re not only here to learn but to serve and make a difference. I’d like to commend PRC for this very noble task and we hope that you continue to make a difference in the lives of others.”

“It is our way to showcase what selfless service means and especially love for others. We’ve been partnering with the PRC for the past 30 years and we’re grateful for this noble mission to save lives. With the help of PRC, we know that we will be able to generate more blood donors,” added Catherin “Kay” Ann Rosero, School Academic Director and Dugtong Buhay 11 Chairperson.

Also present at the event were Elizabeth Seton School Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Josefina Suarez, Dr. Rached Caranzo, and PRC National Blood Services Director and Assistant Secretary-General for Programs Development & Services Dr. Christie Monina Nalupta.

Dugtong Buhay is an institutional effort that aims to save lives by advocating blood donation. The actual bloodletting activity is open to the public on May 2 and 3 at Elizabeth Seton School – Las Piñas Campus.

PH RED CROSS SUPPORTS 1st OGP FUN RUN; APPRECIATES DONATION

Written on January 27, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) showed strong support to the first-ever Open Government Partnership (OGP) Fun Run of the Department of Budget & Management (DBM) in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) held at the Quirino Grandstand on January 26.

The PRC deployed 177 staff and volunteers; a 5-bed capacity Emergency Field Hospital (EFH) Emergency Room with a doctor, two nurses, and medical student volunteers; a medical tent; 12 medic scooters; three first aid stations; five ambulances; a rescue vehicle; and a humvee.

Aside from the mobilized assets, the PRC also led the warm-up exercises to prepare runners while some PRC personnel joined the race.

The DBM said that all proceeds of the OGP Fun Run will be donated to the PRC to support its life-saving humanitarian programs and services.

PRC Chairman & CEO Dick Gordon expressed gratitude to partners saying: “The PRC is elated to be part of this collaboration with the DBM and MMDA which demonstrates the power of partnerships in advancing meaningful causes. We sincerely thank Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for spearheading this initiative, along with MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes for their constant support to the life-saving causes of the PRC.”

“Every step in this Fun Run is a contribution to our life-saving programs which will allow us to serve more vulnerable communities all over the country,” added PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang.

The OGP Fun Run 2025 aims to promote health and wellness, and champion the values of open government. It was a precursor event to the Philippines’ hosting of the OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) on February 5 to 7 this year.

SHARING THE GIFT OF MOBILITY: PH RED CROSS, PARTNERS DISTRIBUTE OVER 500 WHEELCHAIRS TO VULNERABLE FILIPINOS

Written on January 26, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES- To continue a shared mission of bringing hope and enhancing the productivity of vulnerable Filipinos with mobility impairments, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Chair the Love, Wheelchair Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Manila 101 will distribute an additional 270 wheelchairs as part of the second phase of the Mobility for Dignity project.

The project aims to increase productivity among mobility-impaired individuals by helping them find employment opportunities, for children to continue their studies, and encourage them to live normal lives through the gift of mobility.

The first tranche of the distribution started on January 25, wherein 120 selected beneficiaries from Mega Manila (Malabon, Manila, Pasay, Rizal, Valenzuela, and Caloocan chapters) were given brand-new wheelchairs. The second and third tranches will continue this year in several areas in Baguio, Benguet, and La Union wherein there is a high volume of persons with disabilities (PWDs) needing mobility aids.

“We at the Philippine Red Cross uplift human dignity. The gift of a wheelchair is something that you must cherish because it’s a gift of freedom. You have been given once again the capability of moving. Kapag binigyan ka nito, isipin mo kung ano ang magagawa mo: kumilos, tuparin ang pangarap, magsikap, at matuto ng bagong kasanayan. Masarap tulungan ang mga taong tinutulungan din ang kanilang sarili,” said PRC Chairman & CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon.

“Wheelchairs are not only devices with wheels but are instruments of dignity and independence. Each wheelchair provides not only physical mobility but also emotional and psychological support. With our partners, the PRC is changing lives one wheelchair at a time,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

During the first phase of the project in 2023, the PRC and its partners were able to provide a total of 270 wheelchairs to physically challenged Filipinos nationwide.

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Year: 2025