MANDALUYONG, Philippines— The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) joined the annual celebration of the Global Handwashing Day 2024 with the theme: “Why are clean hands still important?” on October 15. 

This global advocacy day is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases that save lives. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon underscored the important role the PRC plays in promoting this advocacy especially to the most vulnerable during disasters and emergencies. 

“Although we only celebrate it every 15th of October, I must say that every day is Global Handwashing Day at the Red Cross because our response is 24/7. We have a solid Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) office that delivers various humanitarian services like the distribution of clean water, hygiene promotions, hygiene kits, and awareness seminars almost every day for any disaster and emergency reported to us across the country. We have 29 water tankers, 41 water filtration units, and other assets, ” said Gordon.  

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang reiterated that “Clean hands remain a fundamental defense against the spread of infections, illnesses, and harmful germs. PRC is committed to creating a safer world for everyone by amplifying this message.” 

56-year-old Arlene Grabillo, expressed her gratitude to PRC for supporting her and other evacuees of the recent massive fire incident in Bacoor, Cavite: “Nagpapasalamat kami sa Red Cross, kay Senator Gordon, kay Dr. Gwen, sa malinis na tubig at iba pang tulong na ipinadadala nila dito sa amin. Dahil po sa inyo, kahit nasa evacuation center kami ay napapanatili ang aming kalusugan dahil nalilinis namin ang aming mga kamay at katawan.” 

To accelerate awareness at the grassroots level, the PRC National Headquarters encourages its staff and volunteers across PRC’s 102 Chapters nationwide to continue to conduct relevant activities such as hygiene promotions, dialogue sessions on the importance of handwashing in schools and communities, distribution of hygiene kits, and Soap Recycling Workshops, among others.