In observance of Dengue Awareness Month this June, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) strengthened its commitment to stop the spread of dengue disease as the rainy season began. 

Despite the fact that dengue cases continued to decline over the last ten weeks, according to the Department of Health, PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said that the PRC is strengthening its nationwide efforts, especially in dengue hot spot areas. 

“We continue to monitor the dengue situation in our country through our dedicated Health Services teams and Red Cross volunteers working tirelessly on the ground lalo na ngayon at nag-umpisa na ang tag-ulan. We want to assure everyone that the Philippine Red Cross has an ample supply of safe and quality blood nationwide. We remain committed to saving lives, ensuring that every Filipino in need receives quality healthcare and support from us,” Chairman Gordon stated. 

As of June 15, PRC’s dengue information drive reached 35,000 individuals and 70 schools. The organization’s cleanup activities were conducted in 450 barangays with approximately 9,000 volunteers mobilized. 

Last February 22 to 23 this year, the PRC’s nationwide simultaneous cleanup drive “Linis BEATs Dengue” reached 375 communities with 6,210 volunteers deployed from various PRC chapters. 

“Dengue is preventable, and it starts with clean homes and communities. We are encouraging everyone to make this a community activity, after all, a clean environment is a safe environment. For dengue patients, PRC has 109 blood facilities nationwide so we ensure that we have enough blood supply to help you recover,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 

The PRC encourages the public to become members of the Philippine Red Cross through the Safe Card membership program, which entitles members to one unit of whole blood, ambulance service, and accident-related hospitalization coverage for an annual fee of 1,200 pesos or 100 pesos per month. PRC also stated that aside from the mentioned perks, there are additional benefits covered by the Safe Card, which includes dengue treatment.