Philippine Red Cross

Philippine Red Cross, Bahrain Royal Charity Organization eye future collaborations

Written on September 18, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Kingdom of Bahrain’s Royal Charity Organization (RCO) Secretary-General Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed visited Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon yesterday to explore more opportunities for collaboration.

RCO is known globally for its development and humanitarian assistance not only to the people of Bahrain but also to communities in developing countries. In 2014, RCO funded the construction of two PRC vocational training centers – one in Leyte and one in Subic – to help the Filipinos strengthen their economic capability and resilience against hazards.

“Bahrain is our friend and an active ally. As you know, together with the Royal Charity Organization, we constructed two training centers in Subic and Tacloban. This is the commitment of Bahrain to help the Filipinos, especially the Typhoon Yolanda survivors. We are truly grateful for the support and the friendship we built. I’m excited to work with RCO again after our collaboration for recovery and resilience,” said Chairman Gordon.

Dr. Al-Sayed also invited Chairman Gordon to visit Bahrain to evaluate opportunities for collaboration.

The PRC Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang, said the training centers were instrumental to the recovery of typhoon-affected Filipinos. “We were able to provide various programs and courses that enhanced their knowledge and skills needed to land a job or start a livelihood. We are not only fighting poverty here, but also promoting literacy,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

The PRC Vocational Training Centers in Subic and Tacloban were constructed to alleviate poverty and lower unemployment by providing accessible, high-quality vocational training and job-creation projects for unemployed and underprivileged Filipinos, especially those from historically disadvantaged communities. These infrastructures, which cost USD400,000 in 2014, were donated by the people of Bahrain, through the Royal Charity Organization of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Gordon, PH Red Cross continue inspiring path set by Amelia Gordon

Written on September 6, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events.

September 4th marks the birth anniversary of a remarkable figure in Philippine history, the incomparable Mrs. Amelia J. Gordon. Revered as Olongapo’s pioneering female mayor, Amelia’s enduring legacy shines as brightly as her lifelong commitment to children, adoption, and humanitarian causes, which earned her the prestigious Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year Award, a distinction shared by only two other Filipino women.

A beacon of compassion, Mrs. Gordon profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals, adopting more than 50 children and establishing the Boys Town and Girls Home in Olongapo City. These sanctuaries provided shelter and hope to orphaned Filipino children of American descent, etching Amelia’s name in the annals of philanthropy.

Beyond her maternal endeavors, Amelia J. Gordon played a pivotal role in her son Dick Gordon’s journey, who would later become a prominent figure as the Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO. Her devotion to humanitarian causes was exemplified by her role as the founder of the Olongapo Chapter of the Philippine National Red Cross.

Amelia’s legacy was not confined to her philanthropic endeavors. She valiantly championed Olongapo’s quest for independence from American rule and played an instrumental role in the city’s elevation to cityhood in 1966. Following the assassination of her husband, James Gordon Sr., in 1969, Amelia became the city mayor, displaying her indomitable spirit and compassionate heart.

During her tenure as mayor, Amelia competently managed Olongapo City during the tumultuous period of the Vietnam War when it served as a recreational refuge for American soldiers. Her strong leadership ensured peace and security for the city’s inhabitants.

Driven by her humanitarian principles, she launched one of the city’s most significant housing development programs, affirming the human dignity of Olongapo’s burgeoning population. Her political acumen culminated in her election as Assemblywoman to the Batasang Pambansa in 1984.

Even in her retirement from formal politics, Amelia remained devoted to serving her fellow Filipinos, actively contributing as a Red Cross volunteer. She spearheaded blood donation programs and led relief operations in response to disasters, including the Cabanatuan earthquake and the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

Amelia’s achievements and dedication garnered her more accolades, including the Silver Humanitarian Service Cross Award from the American Red Cross, the Gold Humanitarian Award, and the Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon Medal award from the Philippine National Red Cross. She was also honored as a Gintong Ina Awardee and received the Philippine Centennial Commission Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award.

Today, as we commemorate Amelia Gordon’s birthday, we celebrate not just a date on the calendar but a timeless legacy of humanitarianism that continues to inspire generations. Dick Gordon and the Philippine Red Cross carry forward her torch, ensuring that the spirit of compassion and service blazes brightly in Olongapo and beyond.

PH Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Ever Commonwealth Mall hold blood donation drive for second time this year

Written on August 16, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), and Ever Commonwealth Mall held a blood donation drive, dubbed “Sagip Dugtong Buhay,” at Ever Commonwealth Mall on 11 August 2023. Throngs of blood donors showed up for the event, which resulted in 1,599 bags of blood collected, which can save 6,369 lives.

PRC, the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, and media company GMA Network’s socio-civic arm, GMAKF, have been partners in blood donation drives for 27 years. They aim to contribute to the country’s goal of having an adequate blood supply for medical emergencies. The blood donation drive was held on the occasion of GMAKF founder Mel Tiangco’s birthday.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon thanked Ms. Tiangco for her advocacy, saying: “Mel has defined herself. Tayong lahat kailangan may definition tayo. Ano’ng klaseng tao tayo. Mabuti ba tayong tao? Madaling sabihin ‘yon. Sabi ko nga sa Latin, ‘acta, non-verba’ — action, not words. Kailangan may prinsipyo ka.”

Gordon also thanked the blood donors and acknowledged their sense of service, saying: “Helping other people, giving blood, needs practice. If you do not practise it, makakalimutan mo ‘yan. We salute you! We do not know who gets the blood. It is important for you to realize that.”

Gordon granted the PRC Blood Galloner recognition to those who have donated a gallon of blood so far in their lifetime. PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang made the rounds among the blood donors and personally thanked and acknowledged them.

PRC deploys ambulance, cadaver bag for vehicular crash victims in Mandaluyong

Written on August 11, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) fire truck and ambulance unit responded to a vehicular crash that left one male pedestrian dead and another injured at Madison St. corner Pioneer St. in Mandaluyong City yesterday evening.

The PRC’s Emergency Response Unit extricated the two pedestrians and helped other rescuers provide urgent prehospital treatment and ambulance transport to the injured victim. The PRC’s Emergency Medical Services, meanwhile, provided a cadaver bag for the deceased victim.

From January 1 to August 10 this year, PRC deployed 6,356 ambulance emergency responses — 1,343 of which were to various types of vehicle crashes. A total of 1,246 patients were involved in the vehicular crashes.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed compassion to the families of the victims and noted the importance of accident insurance and a culture of safety as he urged every Filipino to enroll in the organization’s Membership Accident Assistance Benefits (MAAB). “We all have to prepare for risks,” he added.

MAAB is PRC’s membership program, which also provides protection to members through accident insurance coverage in exchange for their volunteer service in PRC’s humanitarian activities, both physically and financially.

Chairman Gordon explained that the membership program helps the humanitarian organization fulfill its steadfast commitment to always be prepared to assist and respond to those in need.

PRC holds medical outreach for 600 in Angono, Rizal

Written on August 8, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

ANGONO, RIZAL — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and its partners held a medical mission in this town last August 5, benefitting almost 600 residents from various barangays.

The PRC spearheaded “Health Caravan: A Medical Outreach” in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Rizal, the Rotary Club through Rotary Club District 3830 Governor Dr. Mildred Vitangcol, and the Latter-Day Saints Charities.

Senior citizens, mothers, children, and persons with disabilities were the priorities of the initiative. They availed themselves of the following services: medical consultation; medicines; health lectures; hygiene kits; vision, hearing, mobility, and cancer screening; laboratory tests; Pneumonia vaccination; and dental services.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said that one of the objectives of the PRC is to deliver healthcare services to communities, particularly in times of disasters and emergencies.

Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, who personally attended the activity, said that eyeglasses and wheelchairs would soon be distributed to the beneficiaries. She explained that the eyeglasses and wheelchairs would be customized to meet each individual’s specific needs. She added that a comfortable wheelchair and a properly-fitting pair of prescription glasses can relatively improve the quality of life of a person with mobility and vision limitations.

The Health Caravan of PRC alone has provided free services to over 28, 000 persons across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao during the first five months of 2023.

Angono Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon lauded the initiative and expressed gratitude to PRC and its partner organizations.

PRC, CCC join forces to intensify country’s climate change adaptation and mitigation programs

Written on July 28, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Climate Change Commission today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to advance public awareness, advocacy campaigns, and programs on climate change adaptation and mitigation at the local level.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon and Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang signed the six-year agreement with CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, and Commissioner, Attorney Rachel Anne Herrera.

The two organizations agreed to collaborate on enhancing the knowledge and projects of communities and local government units on climate change concerns. They are also looking to integrate their tools for current and future policies. PRC pledged its support for the forestation activities of CCC’s Carbon-Zero Challenge, an initiative aimed at reducing the carbon emissions from a product or service.

Chairman Gordon commended the CCC for its commitment to combat climate change. He said: “Through our millions of RC143 volunteers in thousands of communities, we can help implement climate action projects and policies effectively at the community level. One of our goals on why we keep pushing to have a group of trained volunteers in each community is to bring our mission closer to every Filipino.”

Dr. Pang, in her previous discussions on climate change adaptation, has been reiterating the importance of investing in nature-based solutions and sustainable use of natural resources to combat climate change. “We have to work with nature to mitigate the impact of climate change,” she said.

The PRC has been actively campaigning and promoting climate action through its Health Services, Safety Services, Welfare Services, WASH, Disaster Risk Reduction, Anticipatory Action activities, and projects such as educating the youth, equipping PRC chapters with climate change knowledge, community planning, and projects on nature-based solutions.

PH Red Cross, JCI Manila, and GMA Kapuso Foundation renew tripartite agreement for an adequate blood supply in the country

Written on June 16, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila, and GMA Kapuso Foundation renewed their tripartite agreement on World Blood Donor Day, 14 June 2023, for an adequate blood supply in the country. The Memorandum of Agreement outlines the roles of the three organizations in reaching their common goal of ensuring an adequate and sustainable supply of safe and quality blood and blood products for the most vulnerable. The three advocates of voluntary blood donation started their collaboration in 2018.

Highlighting the importance of donating blood as an act of service to a fellow human, or a fellow Filipino, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said: “We try to inculcate in the Filipino that he is not there to be served. He is there to serve others.”

JCI Manila President Mr. Eric Ke, GMA Kapuso Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Rikki Escudero-Catibog, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, and PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang signed the agreement.

According to PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, under the agreement, the JCI will help the PRC organize mass blood donation drives; GMA Kapuso Foundation will promote the campaign, while the PRC will provide the human resources and logistics.

GMA Kapuso Foundation has been a longtime partner of the PRC in blood donation drives. The JCI Manila has organized around 30 blood donation drives across the country in collaboration with PRC chapters nationwide, partner hospitals, and local government units.

Philippine Red Cross Achieves Perfect Passing Rate in 2022 EQAS Evaluation of its Blood Centers

Written on June 1, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) achieved a remarkable 100% passing rate in the 2022 External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS), conducted by the Transfusion Transmissible Infections-National Reference Laboratory (TTI-NRL) of the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM). This outstanding accomplishment underscores the PRC’s commitment to provide the highest quality blood and blood products to the communities it serves.

An EQAS evaluates participating laboratories based on the integrity of the entire sample testing process, ensuring accuracy and reliability of results. The PRC’s 30 Blood Centers have each been awarded Certificates of Proficiency, attesting to their exceptional performance and adherence to quality standards.

PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon congratulated the PRC staff and volunteers at the blood centers, stating, “We are immensely proud of our 30 Blood Centers for their exemplary achievement in the 2022 EQAS evaluation. This accomplishment reinforces our dedication to delivering the best possible care to our blood recipients.”

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang also commended the achievement, saying, “The 100% passing rate in the EQAS is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff. It highlights the rigorous standards we uphold in providing safe and reliable blood transfusion services. Congratulations to all involved.”

The Philippine Red Cross remains steadfast in its commitment to maintain the highest standards in laboratory testing. By consistently observing best practices, the PRC ensures the safety and well-being of those who depend on their services.

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Philippine Red Cross Intensifies Its Food Security Advocacy

Written on May 31, 2023. Posted in Features. Leave a Comment

Hoping to create “a community of growers at the Philippine Red Cross,” PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn T. Pang led the Backyard Gardening Seminar at the 3rd floor multi-purpose hall of the PRC Tower in Mandaluyong last May 29, 2023.

This is in line with the PRC’s food security program that started through the vision of PRC Chairman Dick Gordon. PRC began a sustainable farm in Marikina to provide produce for its hot meals on wheels operations.

Chairman Gordon, who authored the Food Donation Law (RA 9803) in 2009, reiterated the many efforts of the PRC to address the hunger problem in the country. “It has been one of my top priorities to promote food security; that’s why we, at the Philippine Red Cross began a 2-hectare sustainable farm in Marikina, possible expansion is underway, that’s where we grow and harvest our crops that we’re using for our hot meals on wheels operations in times of various disasters and emergencies. This seminar that we provided to our PRC employees is just a piece of the whole cake, and there are more agricultural seminars and workshops to come” said Gordon.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang mentioned the significance of creating a backyard garden as one of the practical ways to fight inflation, “We want to teach you how to grow your own food. Kahit wala kayong malawak na lupain, maaari kayong mag-umpisa sa bakuran ng bahay n’yo. Basta’t mayroon kayong paglalagyan, tutubo ‘yan. I think that one day, it will be very difficult to find food to eat, kaya mas maganda na marunong tayong magtanim ng sarili nating pagkain na maibabahagi rin natin sa iba, lalo na ngayon na mataas na presyo ng mga bilihin. I hope you find joy in planting.”

At the end of the session, 350 eggplant seedlings from the PRC farm in Marikina and a variety of high-quality vegetable seeds donated by its international partners were distributed to PRC employees to encourage them to start their backyard gardens.

PH Red Cross Malabon Chapter Holds 1st “Swing for Humanity” Golf Tournament To Raise Funds

Written on May 31, 2023. Posted in Features. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Malabon Chapter held its first fundraising golf tournament, dubbed “Swing for Humanity,” last May 22 at EastRidge Golf and Country Club, Binangonan, Rizal. The tournament was an opportunity for golf enthusiasts to be part of the PRC’s humanitarian mission by donating to the PRC Malabon Chapter and enjoying their sport at the same time. Fundraising activities such as this enable PRC chapters to sustain their operations, especially in times of disaster and emergency situations.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon lauded the PRC Malabon Chapter for its boldness and creativity in organizing the golf tournament, saying, “The Philippine Red Cross charter provides that all Filipinos must be given the chance to participate in the Philippine Red Cross’s humanitarian activities. Donating to the Red Cross is one way of becoming part of the country’s foremost humanitarian organization.”

PRC Malabon Chapter Board of Directors Chairman Ricky Sandoval spearheaded the planning and execution of the fundraiser. Local stakeholders who see the importance of the PRC’s work in the area demonstrated their support through their donation and participation.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang congratulated the PRC Malabon Chapter for the successful event and expressed gratitude to the donors. “This first golf tournament is an important milestone. We are really grateful to our supporters, who extended their support to this event. I know that the chapter gave its full effort to stage this fundraiser,” said Pang. Dr. Pang also commended the PRC Malabon Chapter’s chapter administrator, Ms. Julie Legaspi, and her staff and the volunteers, who worked to make this first-ever golf tournament fundraiser happen.

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Category: Features