Philippine Red Cross

World Humanitarian Day 2022: PH Red Cross encourages more volunteers to build a village of heroes

Written on August 19, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events.

With this year’s theme “It Takes a Village,” the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) celebrates World Humanitarian Day, today, August 19.

As the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, the PRC provides six major services: Blood Services, Disaster Management Services, Safety Services, Health Services, Social Services, Red Cross Youth, and Volunteer Services. PRC volunteers continue to inspire more communities as they share their resources, time, and efforts to build bigger and stronger villages of humanitarian workers to alleviate human suffering.

“Sa pagdiriwang natin ng World Humanitarian Day, taos-puso kong pinasasalamatan ang lahat ng ating mga volunteer, staff, at donor na mula sa iba’t ibang larangan at sektor ng lipunan at nagkakaisa upang maisakatuparan ang layunin ng Red Cross,” Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

The PRC, through its Red Cross 143, promotes a culture of self-help in the communities by developing a network of volunteers trained to predict potential risk, plan, prepare, and practice for effective community-based disaster risk reduction.

Chairman Gordon also encourages all Filipinos to take part in the heroism of the PRC by efficiently delivering humanitarian services as this act saves lives of the vulnerable individuals.

To become a PRC volunteer, contact the Volunteer Service Office at 7902300 local 945 or send an email at [email protected].

PH Red Cross and Jungkook fan group hold bloodletting activity to celebrate idol’s birthday

Written on August 16, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Korean pop star Jeon Jungkook’s fan group BFM Kookiebunnies held a bloodletting activity last Saturday, August 13, at the PRC National Blood Center, in Mandaluyong City, to celebrate their idol’s upcoming birthday on September 1. Jungkook is the youngest member of the global entertainment phenomenon BTS, a South Korean boy band composed of seven members, who individually have a claim to stardom. The bloodletting activity drew Jungkook fans, resulting in 66 units of blood collected.

Voluntary blood donation is a regular activity of the Philippine Red Cross as part of its commitment to save lives. “One of the ways to save lives is to provide blood to someone who needs it. We greatly appreciate the individuals and groups that partner with us in this noble endeavor,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said.

From January 1 to August 14, 2022, the PRC has served 144,410 patients needing blood products in its 102 blood service facilities nationwide. For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC National Blood Services at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center, which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.

Gordon: FVR was a big believer in the Red Cross

Written on August 9, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events.

Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, while paying his last respects to Former President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR) at Heritage Park, in Taguig, over the weekend, said FVR was a big believer in the Red Cross. Gordon attended the wake of the late president together with a delegation from the foremost humanitarian organization in the country and a representative from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Gordon said FVR was one of the greatest supporters of the Red Cross. He cited that FVR, being a military man and able to appreciate the value of blood in war zones, was a regular blood donor through the Red Cross. “Palaging nagbibigay ng dugo. Inaawat ko na [kasi] lagpas na siya ng 65 [years old]; sabi ko ‘ilalagay na lang namin sa museum ‘yang dugo ninyo’. Pero bigay pa rin nang bigay, because symbolic iyun eh.” The PRC sets up medical tents in war zones, such as in the Marawi siege in 2017.

Gordon also shared that FVR was with him in the Mt. Pinatubo response and the July 16, 1990 earthquake response in Cabanatuan. FVR and Gordon worked together in the rehabilitation of areas in Central Luzon, including SBMA and Clark, after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. “He was always enthusiastic on finding solutions on what we can do,” Gordon said of FVR.

Gordon expressed sadness over FVR’s passing, referring to him as one of the country’s “greatest statesmen.” He attested that FVR was a president who was hardworking and recalled his “Philippines 2000” vision of having more investors in the country in order to create more jobs. He and FVR had a long working relationship in government service: FVR was president when Gordon served as mayor of Olongapo City for a second term. While mayor of Olongapo, Gordon was appointed chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority by FVR.

Gordon lauded FVR’s academic excellence, as a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point. He said that FVR’s bearing was a good example to people who might become leaders of the Philippines. “Nakakalungkot, pero nakakatuwa na nagkaroon tayo ng katulad nya: We did not have enough of him, which is sad, but we are happy we had him at all, even for a while,” Gordon concluded.

From Day 1 of FVR’s wake, the PRC provided antigen tests to FVR’s family, friends, and mourners for free, to make sure everyone was safe. Two PRC ambulance teams were also deployed to Heritage Park to assist mourners in case there was a medical emergency. Gordon said these acts were the least PRC could do to honor FVR’s lifelong, committed support to the PRC.

PH Red Cross recognizes Australian embassy’s support for its CoVID-19 response operations, honors outgoing ambassador

Written on July 8, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events.

Mandaluyong City — In a luncheon meeting today, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon recognized the contribution of the Australian government to PRC, particularly its COVID-19 response operations, and honored Australia’s outgoing ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Steven J. Robinson.

In his speech, Gordon acknowledged Australia for its support in the timely establishment of the PRC molecular laboratory in Port Area, Manila, the largest of its kind in the Philippines. The laboratory was set up in June 2020, three months after the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and the Philippine government declared a community quarantine in the National Capital Region.

Gordon noted that Australia was also one of the first to donate negative-pressure ambulance units to the PRC, which are designed for transporting patients with contagious diseases, such as COVID patients. Gordon also thanked the Australian embassy for donating a Hyundai HD65-based food truck, which is part of PRC’s Hot Meals on Wheels Program, one of PRC’s interventions in disaster-affected communities.

The objective of the friendship between Australia and the Philippines, according to Gordon, is “to make sure we succeed in our effort to alleviate human suffering.” “We got a friendship we will never forget,” he said.

In his response, Ambassador Robinson acknowledged the Australian Agency for International Development for making the accomplishments possible and described the camaraderie between the PRC and the Australian Embassy as “intense.”

Also present during the event were Her Excellency Monica van Daalen, ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands; Counselor Thanh Le of the Embassy of Australia; Mr. Julian Tollestrup, First Secretary at the New Zealand Embassy; Mr. Gopal Mukherjee of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; Nathan Ramalingompillai of the German Red Cross; Paul Anthony Drossou of the Netherlands Red Cross; Megan Kate Lilley of the Finnish Red Cross; and PRC officials.

PH Red Cross joins the annual observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month 2022, prepares its assets for possible disasters

Written on July 7, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events.

Philippine Red Cross celebrates National Disaster Resilience Month

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) joins the annual observance of the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) this July with the theme “Sambayanang Pilipino, Nagkakaisa tungo sa Katatagan at Maunlad na Kinabukasan.”

Executive Order no. 29, s. 2017 designates July of each year as the NDRM throughout the country. For its part, the PRC supports the government in its efforts to build resilience covering the four thematic areas of disasters: disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

“Ang Red Cross ay nakikiisa sa paggunita natin ng National Disaster Resilience Month ngayong buwan ng Hulyo. Hinihikayat ko ang ating mga kababayan na laging maging handa sa panahon ng kalamidad,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

In addition, the PRC has prepared its assets that deliver quick services in anticipation of rescue and relief operations amid disasters: 35 Food trucks, 178 Ambulance units, 5 Rescue trucks, 40 Rescue boats, 2 Amphibians, 8 Payloaders, 5 Six-by-six trucks, 8 Humvees, 15 Fire trucks, 28 Water tankers, 4 Fire tanker trucks, 2 Military jeeps, and 17 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) hubs equipped with 30 water treatment units, trained volunteers and staff, and hygiene promotion materials.

“Handa ang Red Cross na magbigay ng agarang tulong sa ating mga kabayayan sa panahon ng kalamidad. Bukod sa ating modernong operasyon, nariyan ang ating mga volunteers na handang magmalasakit sa kapwa ano mang oras,” Gordon added.

To know more about the activities of the PRC for the NDRM 2022, email the PRC Disaster Management Services at [email protected] or call 790-2300 local 614.

World Blood Donor Day celebrated amidst pandemic: Philippine Red Cross conducts blood collection activities

Written on June 16, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events.

In line with the celebration of the World Blood Donor Day last Tuesday, June 14, 2022, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) collected 3,563 blood units from simultaneous mobile and in-house blood donation activities nationwide.

The blood donors, undaunted by the uptick in COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR), enthusiastically participated in the PRC blood donation programs, including personnel from the Philippine National Police-General Hospital, Resorts World Manila, and Luxent Hotel among others. The PRC strongly reminded participants to strictly observe COVID-19 health protocols as the Department of Health raised the possibility of placing the NCR under alert level 2.

“Muli akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na nag-donate sa pagdiriwang natin ng World Blood Donor Day ngayong taon. Nawa’y ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pagbibigay malasakit sa pamamagitan ng ating blood donation programs upang manatiling sapat ang supply ng dugo ng Red Cross para sa mga nangangailangan,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

For blood donation, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC NBS at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.

Philippine Red Cross warns public of dengue fever risk

Written on June 16, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events.

Philippine Red Cross Dengue Awareness Month

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) warned the public of dengue fever risk and gave advice on how it can be prevented as the country observes Dengue Awareness Month in June.

The PRC Health Services explained that dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that causes a severe flu-like illness. It can progress into two life-threatening conditions: dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The virus that causes dengue is passed on to humans from animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The symptoms are sudden onset of high fever, which may last from 2 to 7 days; joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes; weakness; skin rashes; nose bleeding when fever starts to subside; abdominal pain; vomiting of coffee-colored matter; dark-colored stools; and difficulty of breathing.

PRC reminds the public of the 4 Ss to prevent dengue:

Search and Destroy: Cover water drums and pails; Replace water in flower vases once a week; Clean gutters of leaves and debris; Collect and dispose of all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles, and other items that can collect and hold water.

Self-Protection Measures: Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt; Use mosquito repellent every day.

Seek Early Consultation: Consult the doctors immediately if fever persists after 2 days and rashes appear.

Say Yes to Fogging when there is an impending outbreak or a hotspot.

The PRC Health Services gives the following advice: If medicine for fever will be given, do not give aspirin. Ensure a person suspected of having dengue is well hydrated. If fever or symptoms persist for 2 or more days, bring the patient to the nearest hospital.

PNP General Hospital personnel donate blood through the Philippine Red Cross

Written on June 15, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events.

Personnel of the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH), from Camp Crame, donated blood at the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) National Headquarters, in Mandaluyong City, today, June 14, 2022. The donors came in response to PRC’s call for blood donors on World Blood Donor Day.

Headed by Chief Nurse Police Colonel Geraldine L. Adanglao, around 16 personnel from the PNPGH joined PRC’s bloodletting activity.

PCOL Adanglao herself has been donating blood since 2012. She explained that blood itself is life, and saves lives. As chief nurse of the PNPGH, she has firsthand knowledge of the impact of the availability of a safe and adequate supply of blood products.

Aside from the psychological benefit of being able to help others, the chief nurse and police colonel also explained that donating blood is beneficial to the physical health of the donor. An additional benefit is that the donor gets tested for diseases, which is a requirement prior to blood donation.

PCOL Adanglao encouraged everyone — those who have not experienced donating blood and those who have — to do so. “Blood donation extends lives. It saves lives,” she says.

World Blood Donor Day 2022: PH Red Cross still one of the country’s major blood suppliers

Written on June 15, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events.

With this year’s theme “Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives”, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) celebrates World Blood Donor Day, today June 14.

As one of the major suppliers of blood and blood products in the country, the PRC National Blood Services (NBS) continuously delivers adequate, safe, and quality blood supply to the most vulnerable. This year, the PRC has already collected 159,686 blood units and dispensed 169,799 blood units to 96,567 patients.

“Sa pagdiriwang natin ng World Blood Donor Day, taos-puso kong pinasasalamatan ang lahat ng ating mga donors. Mula noong 1947 hanggang ngayon, ang Red Cross ang isa sa mga nangunguna pagdating sa blood services. Kaya naman, mas marami tayong naihahandog sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan ng ating serbisyo,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

Chairman Gordon encourages healthy individuals to donate blood regularly in 100 facilities of PRC as this act saves lives as well as promotes the donor’s own health.

In the pipeline for access and blood donations and blood requests, the PRC is expanding its network of blood facilities by establishing more units in strategic areas. For immediate assistance, the blood delivery system is also offered to patients.

To know more about the blood services and details of today’s event, email us at [email protected] or contact (02) 790-2300 local 931/932/935. The PRC Blood Call Center which accommodates blood requests and inquiries nationwide may be reached by dialing 143.

Philippine Red Cross calls on runners and cyclists anew to join virtual duathlon

Written on June 1, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) today called on runners and cyclists anew to join Million Volunteer Run 6 (MVR 6), its annual fundraising and volunteer recruitment activity. The event is extended up to June 12, 2022, with a virtual gathering of participants as the event’s finale.

MVR 6 is a non-competitive event that allows participants to complete their preferred category and distance at their own pace. They bike and/or run by themselves or in groups and upload their individual photo documentation on the event’s dashboard.

Major prizes consist of three Ogawa massage chairs, eight Trek bikes, and ten Php10,000.00 cash-prize. Minor prizes include one laptop, three tablets, five Airpods Pro, three Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatches, and five Fitbit Inspire 2 trackers.

MVR is a concrete way the public can join PRC’s network of volunteers in helping people made vulnerable by emergencies and disasters.

Registration is still open, through https://bit.ly/MillionVolunteerRun6.

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Category: Features