MANDALUYONG CITY — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) celebrated International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2025 on December 6 at the PRC Logistics & Multipurpose Center in Mandaluyong City, gathering thousands of RC 143 volunteers from chapters nationwide, both onsite and online. Although IVD is globally celebrated on the fifth of December, PRC moved its celebration to December 6 to allow volunteers to travel safely, avoid heavy traffic, and participate fully.

This year’s theme, “PRC 143 Volunteers In Every Barangay: Local Everywhere. Every Contribution Counts” emphasizes how volunteers serve their own neighborhoods yet create a nationwide humanitarian impact, regardless of how small or big the act of service or volunteerism is. The Rizal and Quezon City Chapters recorded the highest turnout of attendees. Moreover, the celebration was hosted by Sam Oh, a Korean TV and radio personality who has lived in the Philippines for two decades and who proudly volunteers with PRC.

In his message, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon honored the vital role of volunteers, stating, “Everything we accomplish—from reaching remote communities to responding swiftly in times of crisis—is possible because of our volunteers’ unwavering dedication. They are our eyes, arms, and legs on the ground, bringing relief, restoring dignity, and offering hope to those affected by disasters. While today is dedicated to honoring them, we truly celebrate them every day as heroes who put others first before themselves.”

PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn T. Pang also echoed this tribute in her welcome remarks, saying, “The movement has always been built on ordinary people who choose to act extraordinarily for others. Here in the Philippines, volunteerism runs deep in our culture—the ‘bayanihan’. In the Philippine Red Cross, the spirit of volunteerism comes alive through our volunteers who respond first and stay longest—whether in rescue, relief, health promotion, disease prevention, or in providing water, blood, welfare services, psychosocial support, and many more services to affected communities.”

The ceremony continued with messages and reflections from PRC governors and partners. Gov. Ernesto S. Isla, Chairman of the Quezon City Chapter, led the opening prayer, followed by the reading of the Seven Fundamental Principles by Gov. Edward Thomas F. Joson of the Nueva Ecija Chapter. Sanjeev Kumar Kafley, Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), delivered a special message recognizing the unwavering strength of PRC’s volunteer base. Gov. Elizabeth S. Zavalla, Chairperson of the Volunteer Service Committee, led volunteers in a pledge of commitment, while Gov. Corazon Alma G. De Leon delivered the closing message. Chapter administrators also expressed their chapters’ renewed commitments to humanitarian service for the coming year, stating their target numbers for Safecard and volunteer memberships.

The event likewise strengthened PRC’s visibility and promoted the PRC Safecard Membership Program, a one-year personal accident assistance coverage designed for emergencies, accidents, health crises, and disasters.

At the heart of the celebration were the PRC volunteers themselves—people who are the backbone of the RC 143 system, the lifeblood of community preparedness, and the force behind countless preparedness, response, and recovery operations across the country. Their presence in every barangay ensures that humanitarian service begins at the community level and radiates outward, proving that volunteerism rooted locally can transform lives everywhere. Their dedication reflects the deep Filipino spirit of bayanihan, which continues to strengthen PRC’s humanitarian mission and vision.

This year’s International Volunteer Day reaffirmed the indispensable role of PRC volunteers whose local actions create life-changing impact nationwide—embodying the true essence of being locally everywhere, significantly contributing to the betterment of humanity.

For any emergencies, call the PRC Hotline #143.