Philippine Red Cross | Humanitarian Organization in the Philippines

disaster management services philippines

philippine red cross

social welfare services philippines

blood donation philippines

volunteer services philippines

health and services philippines
red cross philippines
  • Home

Category: News and Events

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS HOSTS WELCOME DINNER AT NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS FOR THE 2025 NATIONAL MOOT COURT COMPETITION

Written on . Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

MANDALUYONG CITY — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) welcomed law students, legal experts, and academic leaders to the next round of the 2025 National Moot Court Competition on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) with a welcome dinner held on December 1 at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong.

The 2025 National Moot Court Competition on IHL is organized by the Philippine Red Cross in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This year’s quarter-semi final rounds will be hosted by the University of the Philippines (UP), while the competition’s final round and awarding will commence at the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Following the General Rounds held on November 14, the following Top 8 Universities were invited to participate in the welcome dinner and will advance to the Face-to-Face Quarterfinals to be held at UP Diliman: Ateneo de Zamboanga University; Batangas State University – The National Engineering University; Ateneo de Naga University College of Law; Bukidnon State University; Cor Jesu College Inc; University of the Philippines Diliman; Arellano University School of Law; and Cagayan State University College of Law. 

Along with the contestants, also present were PRC Member of the Board of Governors and Chairperson of PRC IHL Committee, Atty. Rodolfo “Inky” Reyes; Dean of UP College of Law, Atty. Gwen Grecia-De Vera; Associate Professor and Institute of International Studies Director of UP College of Law, Atty. Rommel Casis; ICRC Legal Adviser Atty. Gabriel Calleja; and Program Director of International Financial Law and Regulation Program Institute of International Legal Studies, Atty. Ma. Golda Gigi Mendoza.

PRC Chairman & CEO Richard J. Gordon giving a message to the competitors. (Photo courtesy of PRC Communications Office).

In his inspiring message to the youth, PRC Chairman & CEO Richard J. Gordon recalled the origins of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with founder Jean Henri Dunant and the importance of IHL, especially in today’s world. He also imparted wise words to the participants of the aforesaid competition.

“Participation in this competition is more than an academic exercise: it is a defining moment. Do not remain spectators. Engage fully, allow yourselves to be influenced, and understand that your influence must extend far beyond intelligence alone. What you will discuss here has the power to shape minds, guide future decisions, and strengthen the humanitarian foundations of our nation,” said Chairman Gordon.

Chairman Gordon has long since advocated for IHL in the country. During his time as a Senator, he authored Republic Act 9851 or the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Serious International Crimes,” which was signed into law in 2009. His actions strengthened the enforcement of IHL in the country by incorporating it into the country’s domestic legal framework, defining and penalizing wartime atrocities. 

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang underscored the goal of the moot court competition, hoping that the country’s future leaders in law grow rooted in integrity and compassion. 

“In 2005, we started the National Moot Court Competition in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Since then, it has become one of PRC’s flagship academic advocacy initiatives, further strengthened by the University of the Philippines and the Supreme Court of the Philippines. This competition aims to deepen respect for IHL and inspire future leaders that engage in politics with legal awareness while safeguarding human dignity, especially in times of conflict,” said the PRC Secretary General.

As part of the competition guidelines for ethical and fair judging, participating universities remain anonymous and are referred to via team numbers. 

In a short interview with Team 9’s coach, he emphasized what PRC’s IHL-initiatives meant for future members of the legal profession. “Joining the IHL National Moot Court Competition helps our students to breathe and relax—like a vacation from law school. It’s a productive extracurricular activity because they are able to debate and form connections with new people—especially students who are also studying IHL,” said the coach of Team 9.

Also interviewed was Counsel  1 of Team 6 who called for continuous engagement and awareness on IHL. “For us law students, it’s very important to be engaged with this topic. This competition, along with PRC’s humanitarian mission, made us really understand IHL better and have a better grasp on it. While the cases we were presented with were fictional, we cannot deny that these realities are real. It happens, it can happen, and it will always happen unless we have a better grasp of IHL,” said Team 6’s Counsel 1. 

As the competition heads into its final stages, the PRC would like to congratulate everyone who participated and thank them for their support toward learning and advocating for International Humanitarian Law. 

The Philippine Red Cross is Always First, Always Ready, and Always There.

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS HONORS 314 BLOOD DONORS AND PARTNERS AT THE 3RD CENTRAL LUZON KADUGO AWARDING CEREMONY

Written on . Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

CLARK, PAMPANGA — On Friday, November 28, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) gathered hundreds of blood donors, institutional partners, and community leaders at the Hilton Clark for the 3rd Central Luzon Kadugo Awarding Ceremony, celebrating the individuals and organizations whose sustained support continues to strengthen the region’s life-saving blood services.

A total of 314 awardees from Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the National Blood Services Program. Through years of consistent participation in blood donation drives and community initiatives, these partners have helped ensure that safe and adequate blood remains available for patients in need across the country.

“No Filipino should lose their life because blood was not available. With the continued dedication of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we move closer to a country where every patient gets the chance to live,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon who commended the honorees for the impact of their service.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, who attended the program along with PRC’s National Blood Services Director Dr. Monina Nalupta, highlighted the importance of this year’s theme “Give Blood, Give Hope, Together We Save Lives.” 

“For the Philippine Red Cross, this year’s theme is not just a slogan, but a kind of truth we see in our everyday lives. Blood is life, and to donate blood is to give hope. For us in the Red Cross—and for the patients, especially—every bag of blood symbolizes hope because we can give patients a second chance at life. And while the need for blood does not end, through the donations we receive, we give those in need the gift of life,” said the PRC Secretary General.

Awards from the 3rd Central Luzon Kadugo Awarding Ceremony. (Photo Credit: PRC Communications Office)

The ceremony conferred a range of distinctions honoring both the volume of blood units collected and years of partnership, including the Blood Samaritan Award for supporters whose financial assistance enables indigent patients to receive free or subsidized blood; Hall of Fame awards for partners with over ten consecutive years of service and thousands of units collected through mobile blood donation activities; Outstanding Blood Service Partner of the Year citations for institutions that have gathered more than 1,000 units over a decade of continuous partnership; Testimonial Plaques for partners with unique, long-term contributions; Blood Service Platinum Awards for organizations consistently collecting 500 to 999 units over at least five years; Special Awards for exceptional support beyond regular targets; Scrolls of Honor for four consecutive years of service with 200 to 499 units collected; and Diplomas of Service for those who have completed two years of partnership with 100 to 199 units collected.

During his welcome remarks, Gov. Edward Joson, Chairman of Nueva Ecija Chapter and member of PRC Board of Governors shared his personal appreciation to all the partners of the Philippine Red Cross when it comes to blood donation. “When my father, the former Governor of Nueva Ecija, Tomas Joson III needed blood transfusions, platelets, and apheresis for his cancer treatment, we were always able to bring blood. The hematologist would ask us ‘why do we always have blood?’ This is the proof of excellence and beauty of PRC’s blood services program and its blood partners. Even with my father’s blood being an Rh-negative blood type—A-negative—we were still able to provide blood,” said Gov. Joson. 

In an interview with PRC Tarlac Chapter’s (BOD) Finance Officer Luciano Paras Jr., he highlighted the need to recognize the partners and blood donors who help keep the blood supply of the country strong. 

“I am very happy that we have institutionalized the regional Kadugo Awards. Our benefactors and supporters of our mass blood donations are more dedicated because we recognize them on a regional-level and not just the chapter-level. I see our supporters and they are very happy that their efforts are being recognized throughout Central Luzon. Alongside this, we stay true to the vision of our Chairman and Secretary General of providing safe and adequate blood to every person in need,” said Mr. Paras.

Among the Diploma of Service awardees was the Columban College of Nursing, represented by faculty member Raymond Papa and student Francis Solomon, recognized for helping mobilize students and faculty in regular blood donation efforts. Mr. Raymond Papa expressed gratitude for the recognition and recognized the importance of blood donations, saying, “I started donating blood back when I was 18 years old and I think it’s important that we start teaching our youth to donate blood and start as early as they can. In Columban College of Nursing, our students initiate the blood drives and are helping the community address the shortage of blood supply in the country. Since we started our partnership with the PRC and began our blood drives two years ago, our students have been really looking forward to organizing events and donating blood.”

Now in its third year, the Kadugo Awarding Ceremony drew an estimated 450 to 500 attendees, reflecting the growing engagement of communities in volunteer blood donation across Central Luzon and the steady expansion of partnerships that sustain the program.

The Philippine Red Cross congratulates the awardees of the 3rd Central Luzon Kadugo Awarding Ceremony.

The Philippine Red Cross is Always First, Always Ready, and Always There. For any emergencies, please contact our PRC Hotline #143.

 

DISCOVERY HOSPITALITY CORPORATION: “PH RED CROSS IS KNOWN FOR ITS FOUR PILLARS OF TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY;” DONATES FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY CEBU AND DAVAO EARTHQUAKE

Written on . Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

MANDALUYONG, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) welcomed representatives from Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC) on 14 November 2025 as the group turned over their donation to help families recovering from the recent Cebu and Davao earthquake. 

The DHC team was led by Blessy Townes, Vice President & Head of Digital Marketing and Branding, together with Lynette Ermac, Senior Vice President of Sales and Operations. They were joined by several senior leaders and representatives from Discovery’s hotels and resorts, including colleagues from Discovery Boracay, Discovery Coron, Discovery Primea, and Discovery Suites who all took part in the visit.

The team was received at the PRC – National Headquarters Tower by the organization’s Finance Director Rayadh Manalad, who thanked them on behalf of Chairman Richard J. Gordon and the PRC volunteers working on the ground.

DHC’s donation was the result of a groupwide fundraising initiative led by Jose Parreño Jr., President of Discovery World Corporation and Chief Operating Officer of DHC, carried out across its portfolio of hotels and resorts.

After the turnover, PRC colleagues brought the group inside the Operations Center (OpCen) where responders monitor emergencies 24/7, coordinate teams for mobilization, and send assets wherever they are needed most. Through a tour of PRC’s OpCen, the delegation saw firsthand how every donation is translated into blankets, hot meals, medical care, and essential support for people who have lost so much during manmade incidents and natural disasters.

Representatives from Discovery Hospitality Corporation were given a tour of PRC's Operation Center. (Photo Courtesy: PRC Communications Office)

In a short interview, Ermac and Townes explained why DHC chose to help the affected communities through the PRC.

“The Philippine Red Cross is known for its core pillars of trust and transparency, which we very much believe in. So, we wanted to make sure that the donations from our properties—especially of our guests—will be coursed through an organization that operates with accountability,” said Townes.

In a message to the DHC team, PRC Chairman & CEO Richard Gordon said, “When disaster strikes, people look for a hand they can hold on to. We are grateful that Discovery Hospitality chose to be that hand for the families in Cebu and Davao. Your act of solidarity helps us reach more people, faster, and reminds communities that they are not alone.”

The Philippine Red Cross continues to support families affected by the earthquake through relief distributions, health services, and ongoing assessments in hard-hit areas. PRC expressed its appreciation to Discovery Hospitality for standing with the organization at a time when compassion makes the greatest difference.

Since the earthquakes struck, PRC teams have been on the ground providing humanitarian assistance to hundreds of families. The organization continues to call for solidarity and support to sustain recovery efforts. If you’re interested in making a donation, visit our website at https://redcross.org.ph/ways-to-donate/ 

For any emergencies, please contact the PRC Hotline #143.

The Philippine Red Cross is Always First, Always Ready, and Always There for communities in need. 

PH RED CROSS MOURNS THE PASSING OF GOV. ROSA ROSAL

Written on . Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

TAGUIG, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) deeply mourns the passing of beloved actress, humanitarian, and long-serving PRC leader Gov. Rosa Rosal, who died at the age of 97 on 15 November 2025. 

From 17 to 19 November, a memorial reception was held at the Heritage Memorial Park in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, to honor her life and legacy. On the evening of 19 November, family, friends, and colleagues of Gov. Rosa Rosal in the humanitarian community attended her Necrological Services. 

 

“We live in a world that is no longer harmonious to some, because we have forgotten the meaning of service and of giving. I always tell the Philippine Red Cross ‘you cannot be a spectator.’ You have to move forward. Acta non verba. Actions, not words—this is what defined Rosa Rosal. Whatever she set her heart on, she pursued. When she saw that the country needed blood, she went ahead and got blood. She expanded her world with courage to the point where she saw the suffering of others—then, she reached out to them. The Philippine Red Cross exists to reach out for the vulnerable, and Rosa Rosal was the very embodiment of that mission,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon.

“On behalf of the Philippine Red Cross, we extend our deepest condolences. We share your grief, and we stand with you in honoring a life that touched so many. Gov. Rosa Rosal—Tita Rose—served the organization for 75 years. She volunteered for 21 years and spent 54 years on the Board of Governors. She embodied love, grace, and humanity. She will forever live in the hearts of everyone who makes up the PRC,” said PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang.

PRC Chairman & CEO Dick Gordon dedicated a eulogy to Gov. Rosa Rosal. (Photo Courtesy: PRC Communications Office)

Gov. Rosa Rosal was remembered not only as a celebrated icon of Philippine cinema but also as one of the country’s most enduring humanitarians. Over the decades, she championed blood donation nationwide, launching PRC initiatives that brought bloodletting drives to campuses, military camps, and communities. She also founded a women’s crisis center to support unwed and vulnerable pregnant mothers, and helped find homes for children who had been abandoned or left without care.

Balancing her public life with her service, she hosted the television programs Damayan and Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko, both aimed at mobilizing financial and medical assistance for indigent patients. She further used proceeds from international speaking engagements to acquire Red Cross equipment, provide scholarships, and support livelihood recovery in disaster-stricken areas.

Presentation of Resolution Honoring the Life, Legacy, and Exemplary Humanitarian Service of Gov. Rosa Rosal. (Photo Courtesy: PRC Communications Office)

For more than seven decades, Gov. Rosa Rosal helped shape the Philippine Red Cross into the humanitarian institution it is today. To our “Rose of Humanity,” thank you for dedicating your life to compassion and service. We will never forget you.

Gov. Rosa Rosal’s inurnment ceremony was held on the morning of 20 November 2025 at the Heritage Memorial Park in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS JOINS BOMBO RADYO PHILIPPINES IN BIGGEST ONE-DAY BLOODLETTING DRIVE “DUGONG BOMBO 2025: A LITTLE PAIN, A LIFE TO GAIN”

Written on . Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) proudly partnered once again with Bombo Radyo Philippines and Bombo Radyo Philippines Foundation, Inc. for Dugong Bombo 2025: A Little Pain, A Life to Gain, the largest single-day bloodletting activity in the country. The nationwide event was held on November 15, 2025 (Saturday) across 25 major locations, supported by 32 fully digitalized AM and FM stations.

An annual event widely recognized as the country’s biggest one-day voluntary bloodletting initiative, Dugong Bombo demonstrated the power of collective action with a humanitarian purpose. In past runs, the efforts of Bombo Radyo Philippines, Bombo Radyo Philippines Foundation, Inc. and everyone who supported the event helped replenish the national blood supply by collecting around 2.1 million cc of blood—equivalent to 2,081 liters, 550 gallons, or 10 drums of lifesaving blood.

Despite the recent earthquakes and typhoons, Dugong Bombo 2025 achieved a new record in blood collection. By the end of the event, a total of 4,657 bags of blood had been gathered—equivalent to approximately 2.1 million cc of blood, 2,095.65 liters, 553.61 gallons, or 10 full drums of lifesaving blood.

A bag of blood collected during Dugong Bombo 2025 at Robinson's Galleria Ortigas. (Photo Courtesy: PRC Communications Office)

In a short interview with Dugong Bombo 2025 host Rizelle Ann Escano—more popularly known as Star DJ Gaby of 102.7 Star FM—she mentioned how partnerships with different organizations like the Philippine Red Cross makes events like Dugong Bombo 2025 impactful within the community.

“Here at Dugong Bombo, different groups and organizations come together for a single cause. With other blood donation projects, there’s usually only focus on either one or two groups and it’s only organized by one organization. But for Bombo Radyo Philippines Foundation, Inc. we invited a lot of groups like Rotary, Tau Gamma, PNP, BFP, even the AFP. While the groups involved are really different, they all have one goal: to help save lives—and that’s being done here at Dugong Bombo 2025,” said Star DJ Gaby.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon acknowledged the longstanding partnership between PRC and Bombo Radyo Philippines Foundation, noting how the project strengthens the nation’s blood supply chain. “Every bag of blood collected is a lifeline for someone in need. Dugong Bombo shows what everyone is capable of achieving when media, volunteers, and communities unite for humanitarian service.”

During the event, PRC’s National Blood Services teams were mobilized to ensure safe and efficient screening, collection, and processing of donated blood in all participating sites. 

The Philippine Red Cross is Always First, Always Ready, and Always There for communities in need. For any emergencies, you may call the PRC Hotline #143.

If you’re interested in making a donation, visit our website: https://redcross.org.ph/ways-to-donate/ 

OCEAN NETWORK EXPRESS PHILIPPINES DONATES TO THE PHILIPPINE RED CROSS FOR EARTHQUAKE-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES IN CEBU AND DAVAO

Written on . Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

MANDALUYONG, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has received a donation from Ocean Network Express (ONE) Philippines, Inc. to support relief and recovery efforts for families affected by the recent earthquakes in Cebu and Davao.

In a simple turnover ceremony held at the PRC Tower on November 5, representatives from ONE Philippines, Ms. Yolanda Torres, Human Resources Manager, and Mr. Kyrus Galdo Macul, Corporate & Innovation Specialist, personally handed the donation to PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang. They were also given a tour of PRC’s Operation Center (OpCen) where they saw PRC staff and volunteers at work.

Ocean Network Express PH representatives after a tour of PRC's Operation Center. (Photo courtesy of PRC Communications).

“ONE Philippines’ contribution will help provide essential humanitarian aid such as food, clean water, shelter materials, and psychosocial support to the affected families in Cebu and Davao,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon. 

“Thank you ONE Philippines for your generosity and for putting your trust in the Philippine Red Cross,” said PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang. 

“ONE is pleased to support the humanitarian efforts led by the Philippine Red Cross. Their proven track record and commitment to transparency are essential to ensuring aid reaches local communities swiftly and effectively in times of need,” said a spokesperson from ONE Philippines. 

The Philippine Red Cross would like to thank Ocean Network Express Philippines for joining the PRC’s mission to alleviate human suffering and uplift the lives of those impacted by disasters.

The PRC continues to call on individuals and organizations to extend their support, ensuring that no Filipino faces disaster alone. The Philippine Red Cross is Always First, Always Ready, and Always There for communities in need. 

For any emergencies, you may call the PRC Hotline #143.

If you’re interested in making a donation, visit our website: https://redcross.org.ph/ways-to-donate/ 

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS ASSISTS A TOTAL OF 402 INDIVIDUALS IN ‘RALLY FOR TRANSPARENCY AND A BETTER DEMOCRACY’

Written on . Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

MANDALUYONG CITY — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its teams across Metro Manila to support the Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on November 16-17 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila and the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City.

Ahead of the gathering, the PRC placed all ambulance units in the National Capital Region (NCR) on high alert and set up multiple first aid stations and welfare desks to help ensure that participants could take part in the event safely. 

A total of nine (9) ambulance units, six (6) first aid stations, two (2) welfare desks, and forty seven (47) staff and volunteers were deployed across both venues on November 16-17. 

Throughout the rally, PRC staff and volunteers worked across both sites under warm conditions and steadily growing crowds. By 10:00PM of November 17, PH Red Cross teams had already assisted 402 individuals. Most sought help for vital signs monitoring, dizziness, headaches, abdominal discomfort, and other minor ailments commonly seen in large public events. During the event, a total of four (4) major cases were reported, with people experiencing severe dizziness or lacerations. Four (4) individuals were also transported to medical posts or hospitals for cases such as shortness of breath, severe chest pain, inguinal pain, and an avulsion at the head.

At the Quirino Grandstand, the crowd swelled to an estimated 550,000 by the late evening of November 17. PRC responders operated four (4) first aid stations and four (4) ambulance units. Eighteen (18) responders from the Manila, Pasay, and NHQ-Port teams worked continuously to support the flow of people entering and leaving the grounds. By 10:00PM of the same day, they assisted a total of 242 individuals, most of whom presented with minor concerns or needing vital signs checks.

In Quezon City, an estimated 4,200 individuals showed up near the EDSA Shrine by the evening of November 17. At the height of the rally, PRC teams from Quezon City Chapter, NHQ Tower, and Rizal – San Juan staffed two (2) first aid stations and two (2) welfare desks, supported by five (5) ambulances on standby. They assisted a total of 160 people including seven with minor cases and three major cases.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon praised the commitment of the responders on the ground, noting that their work reflects the organization’s mandate to protect health and uphold humanitarian needs in crowded, high-risk environments. “Our Red Cross volunteers and staff are there to make sure people are safe, cared for, and are treated with humanity. We will continue to provide support to the people in need for as long as needed,” said Chairman Gordon. 

The Philippine Red Cross remains committed to being Always First, Always Ready, and Always There for the people in need. For any emergencies, call the PRC Hotline #143.

LALAMOVE: “PH RED CROSS IS THE ‘GOLD STANDARD’ WHEN IT COMES TO RESPONSE IN TIMES OF CALAMITY;” DONATES 100K CASH AND 100K-WORTH OF LOGISTICS SERVICES TO PRC

Written on . Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) received a donation from on-demand delivery platform Lalamove to support ongoing humanitarian operations for families affected by the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu.

Lalamove turned over ₱100,000 in cash and ₱100,000 worth of delivery services to strengthen PRC’s relief logistics and ensure that life-saving aid reaches affected communities faster.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon welcomed the donation, emphasizing that partnerships like this allow the organization to “move faster and reach farther.”

“Every peso and every act of service the PRC receives increases our chances to deliver hope faster and farther, reaching affected families even in communities far out of reach,” said the Chairman.

Lalamove’s Managing Director Djon Nacario, together with Public Affairs and Government Relations Lead Adrian Asoy and Public Relations Senior Associate Lady Agot, represented Lalamove during the turnover ceremony at the PRC Tower in Mandaluyong City. They also received a tour of PRC’s Operation Center (OpCen) before meeting with PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang.

Lalamove representatives after their tour at PRC's Operations Center (OpCen) (Photo by PRC Communications)

In a short interview with Lalamove Philippines’ Managing Director Djon Nacario, he mentioned how PRC is the “gold standard” when it comes to disaster response and how Lalamove aims to partner with the PRC in the future.

“We recognize po kasi that the Philippine Red Cross is the gold standard when it comes to response po in times of calamity and natural disasters. And it’s actually part of Lalamove’s mission to be able to empower the communities we serve. So in order to provide timely response para po dun sa mga na-sakuna, of course, there needs to be logistics in the picture. So with Lalamove and Philippine Red Cross together, Lalamove aims to provide our expertise, which is providing fast and simple deliveries para po makakarating ang mga supplies natin on time, and walang delay sa paghahandog ng tulong natin dun sa mga na-sakuna po at natamaan ng tragedies.” said Nacario.

Since the earthquake struck, PRC teams have been on the ground providing humanitarian assistance to hundreds of families. The organization continues to call for solidarity and support to sustain recovery efforts. If you’re interested in making a donation, visit our website at https://redcross.org.ph/ways-to-donate/ 

For any emergencies, please contact the PRC Hotline #143.

The Philippine Red Cross is Always First, Always Ready, and Always There for communities in need. 

PH RED CROSS’ HOT MEALS PROGRAM BRINGS UWAN-AFFECTED FAMILIES HOPE SERVED HOT

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

As families across the country face the twin impact of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) and Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to deliver not only relief supplies, but also warmth, comfort, and nourishment through its Hot Meals on Wheels Program.

From flooded barangays to evacuation centers and populous terminals full of stranded people, the PRC’s mobile kitchens have been a lifeline for thousands who lost access to food and cooking facilities when the typhoons came. 

When Uwan hit the Philippines, floods quickly rose and entered houses. People left their homes for somewhere safer, but safer doesn’t always mean somewhere warm—especially during days where strong gusts of wind and rain were no end in sight. 

In the aftermath of Uwan’s landfall, out of 39 PRC food trucks, 21 have been on the move, serving tens of thousands of freshly cooked meals to displaced families and first responders.

“Our PRC staff and volunteers work tirelessly through the night so people in evacuation centers can have freshly cooked hot meals waiting for them at dawn,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon. “The Hot Meals on Wheels Program is more than just feeding people—it’s also restoring hope and dignity through warm and familiar meals they might even cook back home.”

Even before Uwan’s intensification, PRC teams have been on the ground responding to Typhoon Tino, preparing food packs, and activating food trucks in anticipation of mass evacuations. And when Uwan made landfall, these same units quickly shifted from standby to full operation in order to reach the most affected provinces despite blocked roads and power outages.

PRC Welfare Services Manager Norwina Eclarinal spoke about her past experiences with typhoons and how hot meals became a personal reminder of hope.

“Here in the Welfare Services and the PRC in general, we believe that the Hot Meals Program has the ability to give people comfort. I’ve personally experienced what it’s like to have your home flooded. When that happened during Typhoon Kristine, I was also taking care of my young children and my mother who was 88-years old. At the time, with everything that’s happened, even normal food became so far out of reach—that hurts for a provider who can’t give food to her family even when she wants to. At the heart of the Hot Meals Program is the goal of giving people comfort in an otherwise chaotic situation. It’s a really unfortunate situation to be in, but with the program, it reminds people that they are not less because of what happened—it becomes a reminder of hope,” she said.

Each PRC food truck is equipped with industrial-grade stoves, steamers, cooking tools, and storage facilities, allowing volunteers to prepare up to 1,000 hot meals per day. Newer food trucks of the PRC even have added features such as solar panels and chillers. 

During operations, meals are cooked fresh and distributed to families in need, ensuring that no one in the hardest-hit areas goes hungry during crisis recovery.

“We are thankful that the damage was not as catastrophic as feared,” added Chairman Gordon, “but there are families out there that are still wet and in need of good sustenance so PRC’s work is yet to be over.”

Beyond immediate disaster response, PRC’s Hot Meals on Wheels Program is also a permanent fixture in post-disaster recovery and feeding initiatives. The flagship program by PRC’s Welfare Services embodies the organization’s enduring mission to bring humanity wherever it’s needed most.

For updates on PRC operations or to support humanitarian programs like Hot Meals on Wheels, visit our website redcross.org.ph or follow the Philippine Red Cross on social media.

For any emergencies, call the PRC Hotline #143.

TY UWAN UPDATE (NOV 11): UWAN (FUNG-WONG) MAY HAVE LEFT PAR, BUT PH RED CROSS’ WORK IS ONLY JUST BEGINNING

Written on . Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

MANDALUYONG, Philippines — With Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong) leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on 11 November, 2AM, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) ramps up its efforts to provide relief for families and communities heavily affected by the typhoon. 

The following summarizes PRC’s ongoing response as of 11 November, 8AM.

PRC’s Safety Services established 46 first aid stations spread across affected provinces, taking the vital signs of 692 individuals, treating 21 injured patients, transporting 4 patients to hospitals, and deploying 8 ambulances for medical transport.

PRC’s Emergency Response Units (ERU) have assisted a total of 247 individuals in Batangas and Negros Occidental, taking them from at-risk areas to nearby evacuation centers. Further reports from PRC’s Operation Center stated that they have finished 2 clearing operations in Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya.

PRC’s Disaster Management Services (DMS) have provided 65 shelter strengthening kits to families in Isabela and Quirino. They have also supported evacuations and preparedness efforts in Olongapo, Aurora, Masbate, Abra, Cagayan, and Kalinga. OpCen reports also stated that DMS has given out food rations across Tarlac. Lastly, DMS conducted 22 rapid damage assessment and needs analysis in areas such as Camarines Sur and Catanduanes.

PRC’s Welfare Services set up 41 welfare desks across evacuation centers from different affected provinces. They have provided psychological first aid for 1,234 individuals and reached 2,700 children with their child-friendly spaces. As of current reports, 21 food trucks have been mobilized, serving 24,124 hot meals for individuals and families in need. Aside from this, 2,399 bread donations were also distributed.

PRC’s Health Services have also been very active during operations for Typhoon Uwan. 7 doctors and 31 nurses have provided medical consultations and distributed medicine to 284 individuals. PRC Health teams also conducted disease prevention sessions, reaching 6,388 individuals across multiple provinces. As a means to prevent leptospirosis cases, 1,248 individuals received doxycycline prophylaxis. 1,613 face masks were also distributed in Pasay, Pangasinan, Laguna, Rizal, and Kalinga.

PRC’s National Blood Services deployed 223 blood units across La Union, Quirino, Cagayan, and Nueva Vizcaya for augmentation.

PRC’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) unit provided 754 bottles of water for Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan and over 300 hygiene kits across Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, and Tarlac. Furthermore, they have also conducted hygiene promotion activities, reaching 1,915 individuals. PRC’s WASH unit has also started water distribution in affected communities, starting with 692 liters in Valenzuela.

As of today, 949 volunteers have been mobilized to support ongoing operations. 

Communication lines through different PRC Chapters remain open through 18 radios operating without Wi-Fi or data, supported by satellite phones and Starlink units to ensure coordination even in remote areas. 

Throughout the operations, PRC teams are continuing to monitor potential river overflows and shelter damages, especially in priority areas like coastal communities.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon reminds everyone that while Typhoon Uwan has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility, there is still much work to be done. 

“The typhoon may have left PAR but there are still many parts of the country reeling from its effects. PRC’s work isn’t done until the affected are fully safe and are capable of standing back up again on their own two feet,” he said.

Typhoon Uwan may have passed but the Philippine Red Cross remains committed to its mission of protecting and upholding the dignities of affected communities. 

If you are interested in making a donation to support the victims of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) and Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong), head over to our website to see how: https://redcross.org.ph/ways-to-donate/ 

For any emergencies, call the PRC Hotline #143.

Philippine Red Cross

Born officially in 1947, but with roots that traces back to the revolutionary days, the Philippine Red Cross has truly become the premier humanitarian organization in the country, committed to provide quality life-saving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations.

Address: 37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550
Emergency Hotline: 143
Trunkline +63 2 8790 2300
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Follow Us

Check out our Apps

Copyright 2024 Philippine Red Cross