The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) conferred an award to the Singapore Red Cross (SRC), headed by Secretary General and CEO Mr. Benjamin William, in recognition of the assistance they provided to the PRC during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The award was given during the SRC delegation’s courtesy visit to PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon and Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong City on August 14.

The members of the SRC delegation included Assistant Secretary General for Operations Ms. Charis Chan, Associate Director for Global Engagement Ms. Rebekah Lim, Assistant Head for Global Engagement Ms. Fauzia Amalia, and Executive for Global Engagement Ms. Liew Yi Chen.

In 2020, the SRC provided a shipment of 40,000 surgical masks, 10,000 N95 masks, and 2,500 coveralls to augment supplies in hospitals and assist health workers.

“The Covid-19 pandemic was a dark time for us all. Every country struggled to keep their health systems afloat with dwindling resources in hospitals, clinics, health centers. It had its own troubles with the pandemic, but the Singapore Red Cross still generously provided us with masks and protective equipment. We are truly thankful for their friendship and support,” said Gordon.

“The Philippine Red Cross is grateful to the solidarity shown to us by the Singapore Red Cross during the pandemic. It was a time of hardship, but also a time for us National Societies to come together and help each other, ” added Dr. Pang.

Aside from the award, the PRC gifted “Pula,” the Red Cross bear, to the delegation. In return, the SRC gave the PRC its own customized “Snoopy” stuffed toy, made through the existing partnership between the SRC and the Peanuts comics brand.

The SRC has partnered with the PRC in relief operations prior to the pandemic. It provided assistance to victims of Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) in 2009, Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) in 2012, and Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in 2013.

Recently, the SRC donated P2.9 million (or $50,000) to assist PRC’s operations for families and individuals affected by Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) last July.