Philippine Red Cross

GORDON: PH RED CROSS’ 38TH FOOD TRUCK ON THE WAY, MORE ADVANCED AND COMPLETE

Written on February 1, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES—Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman & CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon announced that the PRC just purchased a new food truck which is more advanced, an addition to its existing 37 food trucks used to provide immediate food supply for vulnerable people in evacuation centers during disasters and emergencies.

According to the PRC, the newly procured food truck (Hyundai HD78 GT 14ft Food Truck with 1 Ton Tailgate Lifter) has an air conditioning system and a refrigerator that helps in maintaining the freshness and quality of food especially if it needs to be brought to far-flung areas; it also has three solar panels. It is expected to come in February and will be positioned at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong.

PRC Chairman and the author of Food Donation Law (RA 9803), Dick Gordon stated that “The PRC is expanding and innovating. We are not only addressing hunger, but we’re giving people dignity by serving them decent and healthy meals. And we’re planning to add more food trucks in the future.”

“In times of catastrophes, food is highly essential. When you’re in an evacuation center, you cannot cook because you don’t have what you need. By serving them ready-to-eat meals, we’re alleviating the suffering of our kababayans because they don’t have to worry about it anymore. Maliit na bagay pero makabuluhan,” Chairman Gordon added.

The first four PRC food trucks were donated by Gordon in 2005 to combat malnutrition in various schools in Metro Manila. These were positioned in the PRC chapters in Pasay, NHQ-Mandaluyong, Quezon City, and Manila.

Currently, the PRC owns 37 donated food trucks prepositioned across its 102 chapters nationwide, ready to be deployed as needed. The PRC food trucks can feed a hundred individuals per hour and are equipped with industrial-size burners, steamers, and other cooking equipment. Additionally, the PRC mentioned that all ingredients for its Hot Meals on Wheels program are locally sourced to support local farmers and fisherfolk.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang mentioned “The PRC is also mobilizing professionally trained volunteer chefs and nutritionists to ensure safety and dignified hot meal preparations to vulnerable communities.”

From 2005 to January 2025, the PRC’s Hot Meals on Wheels program served 1.7 million hot meals from its numerous operations.

PRODUCING REAL-LIFE HEROES: PH RED CROSS, ELIZABETH SETON SCHOOL LAUNCH 11TH DUGTONG BUHAY BLOODLETTING DRIVE

Written on February 1, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

LAS PIÑAS, PHILIPPINES—Following the Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) call for continuous collaboration to ensure the nation’s stable blood supply, the PRC and Elizabeth Seton School kick off the 11th Dugtong Buhay bloodletting drive on January 31, 2025.

In a statement, PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed gratitude to the academic institution as well as to the blood donors for their selfless contribution to this noble cause.

“Your Philippine Red Cross remains the major blood supplier in the country; we were able to maintain this status because of every blood donor and advocate like you. On behalf of the PRC, we would like to thank the entire administration of the Elizabeth Seton School for your tireless efforts to promote the importance of blood donation. You are not just producing excellent learners but real-life heroes,” Gordon said.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, who served as guest of honor, inspired the students and school personnel by saying “The Dugtong Buhay blood donation drive began in October 1995, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Josefina Suarez and Governor Rosa Rosal. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, our previous blood drives brought in 4,000 to 6,000 bags annually, with each campus in Las Piñas and Cavite contributing 1,000 to 1,500 bags. Dugtong Buhay has achieved one of the largest single blood donations ever recorded to the PRC.”

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Seton School President Dr. Roberto “Bob” Borromeo mentioned “It’s an opportunity for members of the community—our learners and faculty to live out our values of faith, love, and selfless service. We would like our learners to recognize the value of donating blood; they’re not only here to learn but to serve and make a difference. I’d like to commend PRC for this very noble task and we hope that you continue to make a difference in the lives of others.”

“It is our way to showcase what selfless service means and especially love for others. We’ve been partnering with the PRC for the past 30 years and we’re grateful for this noble mission to save lives. With the help of PRC, we know that we will be able to generate more blood donors,” added Catherin “Kay” Ann Rosero, School Academic Director and Dugtong Buhay 11 Chairperson.

Also present at the event were Elizabeth Seton School Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Josefina Suarez, Dr. Rached Caranzo, and PRC National Blood Services Director and Assistant Secretary-General for Programs Development & Services Dr. Christie Monina Nalupta.

Dugtong Buhay is an institutional effort that aims to save lives by advocating blood donation. The actual bloodletting activity is open to the public on May 2 and 3 at Elizabeth Seton School – Las Piñas Campus.

PH RED CROSS SUPPORTS 1st OGP FUN RUN; APPRECIATES DONATION

Written on January 27, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) showed strong support to the first-ever Open Government Partnership (OGP) Fun Run of the Department of Budget & Management (DBM) in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) held at the Quirino Grandstand on January 26.

The PRC deployed 177 staff and volunteers; a 5-bed capacity Emergency Field Hospital (EFH) Emergency Room with a doctor, two nurses, and medical student volunteers; a medical tent; 12 medic scooters; three first aid stations; five ambulances; a rescue vehicle; and a humvee.

Aside from the mobilized assets, the PRC also led the warm-up exercises to prepare runners while some PRC personnel joined the race.

The DBM said that all proceeds of the OGP Fun Run will be donated to the PRC to support its life-saving humanitarian programs and services.

PRC Chairman & CEO Dick Gordon expressed gratitude to partners saying: “The PRC is elated to be part of this collaboration with the DBM and MMDA which demonstrates the power of partnerships in advancing meaningful causes. We sincerely thank Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for spearheading this initiative, along with MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes for their constant support to the life-saving causes of the PRC.”

“Every step in this Fun Run is a contribution to our life-saving programs which will allow us to serve more vulnerable communities all over the country,” added PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang.

The OGP Fun Run 2025 aims to promote health and wellness, and champion the values of open government. It was a precursor event to the Philippines’ hosting of the OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) on February 5 to 7 this year.

SHARING THE GIFT OF MOBILITY: PH RED CROSS, PARTNERS DISTRIBUTE OVER 500 WHEELCHAIRS TO VULNERABLE FILIPINOS

Written on January 26, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES- To continue a shared mission of bringing hope and enhancing the productivity of vulnerable Filipinos with mobility impairments, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Chair the Love, Wheelchair Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Manila 101 will distribute an additional 270 wheelchairs as part of the second phase of the Mobility for Dignity project.

The project aims to increase productivity among mobility-impaired individuals by helping them find employment opportunities, for children to continue their studies, and encourage them to live normal lives through the gift of mobility.

The first tranche of the distribution started on January 25, wherein 120 selected beneficiaries from Mega Manila (Malabon, Manila, Pasay, Rizal, Valenzuela, and Caloocan chapters) were given brand-new wheelchairs. The second and third tranches will continue this year in several areas in Baguio, Benguet, and La Union wherein there is a high volume of persons with disabilities (PWDs) needing mobility aids.

“We at the Philippine Red Cross uplift human dignity. The gift of a wheelchair is something that you must cherish because it’s a gift of freedom. You have been given once again the capability of moving. Kapag binigyan ka nito, isipin mo kung ano ang magagawa mo: kumilos, tuparin ang pangarap, magsikap, at matuto ng bagong kasanayan. Masarap tulungan ang mga taong tinutulungan din ang kanilang sarili,” said PRC Chairman & CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon.

“Wheelchairs are not only devices with wheels but are instruments of dignity and independence. Each wheelchair provides not only physical mobility but also emotional and psychological support. With our partners, the PRC is changing lives one wheelchair at a time,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

During the first phase of the project in 2023, the PRC and its partners were able to provide a total of 270 wheelchairs to physically challenged Filipinos nationwide.

Phil Red Cross gears up for Cebu’s Sinulog Festival 2025

Written on January 26, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES—After its successful ‘Traslacion’ operations, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) led by Chairman & CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon has been mobilizing its assets to another highly anticipated event, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu in honor of Señor Sto. Niño.

Chairman Gordon assured the public that the PRC’s presence will be felt until the end of the month-long festival.

“Prior to the Sinulog, our staff and volunteers were already deployed. Our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams will remain on standby to provide medical attention to millions of local and international tourists expected to join the festival. All of our assets are activated and we’re ready to serve,” Gordon said.

The PRC mobilized 200 volunteers, six ambulance units, two rescue boats, four service vehicles, and a food truck.

It also set up 22 first aid stations, welfare desks, water stations, a communication center, and an Emergency Field Hospital (EFH) with ten beds.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang reminded the public to take note of some safety measures in order to have a safe and solemn celebration.

“It’s very important to stay hydrated, bring snacks, and wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear. If you have a medical condition, it’s highly recommended that you bring your medical identification tag in case of an emergency. The public may also call the Red Cross by dialing 143 for assistance,” Dr. Pang stated.

The operations of the PRC started on January 9 during the Novena Mass and Walk with Jesus. It will continue its operations for upcoming festival activities such as Walk with Mary, Fluvial Parade, Solemn Procession, and the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 19.

‘Phil Red Cross continues to deliver life-saving aid as Kanlaon shows ongoing volcanic unrest

Written on January 6, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

NEGROS ISLAND, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to bring various humanitarian assistance to over a thousand affected individuals after Kanlaon Volcano had seven ash emissions and 28 volcanic earthquakes on New Year’s Day reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

According to the latest bulletin of PHIVOLCS (January 3, 12 a.m.), Kanlaon showed five ash emission events lasted from five to 116 minutes long, while 27 volcanic earthquakes including nine volcanic tremors lasted from 14 to 142 minutes. PHIVOLCS said the ash emissions generated 300-meter-high voluminous plumes and produced 4,861 metric tons of sulfur dioxide. The volcano remained under Alert Level 3 which indicates a high level of volcanic unrest.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon mentioned that “PRC is fully prepared as Kanlaon Volcano continues to show signs of increased activity. The PRC emergency response units, disaster management teams,WASH, health and welfare teams are now on the ground; ready to provide immediate relief, food, water, psychosocial support, medical assistance, and all necessary support to affected communities.”

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang urged the public to stay vigilant to ensure safety. She also thanked all the Red Cross staff and volunteers for their commitment to service even during the holiday season.

As of January 3, the PRC was able to deliver the following aid to vulnerable communities in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental: hot meals to 24,611 individuals; bread to 3,655 individuals; child-friendly space to 1,595 children; psychological first aid to 264 people; health consultations to 625 patients; health promotion sessions to 908 persons; and vital signs monitoring and treatment to 172 patients.

It supplied 1,338,500 liters of water and hygiene promotion sessions to 727 people.

The PRC also deployed three water tankers, four ambulances, four food trucks, and a payloader; it set up 26 first aid stations and 25 welfare desks.

Additionally, face masks, bottled water and IEC materials on health were also given.

The country’s foremost humanitarian organization has been at the forefront of the disaster situation which started last year after it erupted twice on June 3 and December 9.

PH Red Cross reminds public to monitor health amid New Year festivities

Written on January 2, 2025. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — Amid the numerous festivities in celebration of the New Year, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is reminding the public to monitor their health following the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country during the holiday season.

As of Dec. 31, 2024, more than 260 cases of NCDs were reported by the Department of Health (DOH), consisting of 130 cases of acute stroke, 69 cases of acute coronary syndrome, and 68 cases of bronchial asthma. Overall, Region XI or the Davao Region saw the most cases (31.5 percent), followed by the National Capital Region (25.8 percent), CALABARZON (25 percent), Region II (9.7 percent), and Region I (7.1 percent).

The PRC’s emergency medical response teams have helped transport patients with NCDs through their ambulance services in Baguio, Batangas, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, and Quezon City.

“We join the country in welcoming the year 2025 with joy and excitement. However, as the new year starts, we encourage the public to prioritize their health moving forward. In the feasts we have with our families, friends, and colleagues, let’s avoid eating fatty, salty, and sweet food to prevent stroke, and acute coronary syndrome. We ask more people to develop healthy diet and exercise habits as part of their new year goals. To prevent bronchial asthma, we’re also encouraging more people to stop smoking,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

“In the Red Cross, we aim to develop healthy communities by providing many health services like free health consultations and disease prevention and awareness programs in our health caravans. For the new year, we urge more Filipinos to join us in practicing and living healthier lives,” he added.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang stressed on the importance of knowing basic first aid at home in case of any health emergencies. “Learning basic first aid at home is crucial in our everyday lives. This can help us readily respond to unexpected situations, especially in special occasions like gatherings with relatives and friends this season. This year, we hope to accelerate our first aid and CPR training campaign to reach more Filipinos and have more communities learn these lifesaving skills.”

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Phil Red Cross, IFRC distribute the first batch of cash assistance to over 200 families affected by Southwest monsoon enhanced by typhoons in Tarlac

Written on December 31, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

TARLAC, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) led by its Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick Gordon” in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) held the first installment of its Household Livelihood Assistance program that financially supports vulnerable communities affected by the rage of the Southwest Monsoon which was further intensified by Tropical Cyclones Butchoy and Carina in the province of Tarlac.

Through the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF), a total of 274 vulnerable families residing in Barangays Lomboy, Macalong, and San Roque in La Paz, Tarlac received ₱9,000 each (with a total amount of ₱2.4 million) to help them rebuild their lives and restart their livelihoods. The livelihood cash distribution, spearheaded by the Tarlac Chapter and the Disaster Management Services team, was held in Brgy. Rizal, La Paz on December 17.

Chairman Gordon highlighted the importance of consistent and relentless service, stating, “The Red Cross never rests, not even during the holidays. We bring hope and help to those who need it most, proving that compassion knows no season.”

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang pointed out that this is just one of the many disaster and livelihood efforts of the PRC for Filipinos, stating that “The PRC will continue to create and implement meaningful initiatives that uplift and restore lives and livelihoods.”

According to the PRC, a second installment of ₱6,000 will be distributed early next year in Tarlac while first and second tranches will be done in the province of Bulacan. For both tranches, the PRC and IFRC target more than a thousand vulnerable households with a total amount of ₱15 million.

Red Cross to schools: Embrace volunteerism, engage students to volunteer

Written on December 16, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MANILA, Philippines —- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is urging schools and their leaders to help ignite the spirit of volunteerism in the youth.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang was invited as a resource speaker in the 17th annual Commission on Accreditation for Local Colleges and Universities (ALCUCOA) National Conference on December 13 at the Diamond Hotel, Manila.

In her talk titled, “Amplifying Student Learning through Volunteerism: The Perspective of the Philippine Red Cross,” Dr. Pang stressed the significant role and responsibility of schools in fostering volunteerism among the youth.

“We have to incorporate volunteerism in the school today because we are responsible for continuing the generations of humanitarian volunteers. Through your students, you have the power to mold the future of our country and humanity. Volunteerism teaches empathy, teamwork, and leadership. Many educators believe it’s one of the best ways to build responsible citizenry. If we want to nurture citizens who embody a willingness to help and profound love for others, we have to support and provide programs that will help teach those in the school,” she said.

She shared her experience as a Red Cross Youth (RCY) volunteer back when she was a young college girl in Jolo, Sulu, emphasizing how her humble beginnings as a youth volunteer helped her realize her passion for humanitarian work, leading to 27 years in the service with the Red Cross Movement.

“School is about how we hone the young people, so I thank my school for honing me to be a leader. Through the Red Cross I gained those values and skills. I grew up in the Red Cross learning the importance of compassion, resilience, and leadership.”

Beyond that, Dr. Pang encouraged schools, especially the over 100 members of ALCUCOA led by President Dr. Raymundo Arcega, to partner with the PRC in establishing and strengthening their volunteer campaigns through PRC’s various programs on community outreach, basic first and CPR training, disaster management and response, health awareness and promotion initiatives, and blood donation drives among others.

She also emphasized the PRC’s eagerness to engage with schools to build RCY councils, encourage faculty involvement, integrate volunteer work in the curriculum and NSTP programs, and connecting schools with local PRC chapters and branches, in order to harness the volunteering spirit of students.

In a message relayed by Dr. Pang at the event, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said: “It is important that we teach our youth the value of volunteerism to bring out the best in them, and the willingness to work for a cause, and not just for compensation. Let’s hone the youth of today, values for the country.”

The PRC is the country’s foremost volunteer-based humanitarian organization, with more than two million active volunteers in the country. Individuals interested in volunteering for the PRC may visit or contact their nearest PRC chapter or branch.

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Over 5,700 Filipinos receive life-saving care in PH Red Cross, Lifebank Foundation health caravans

Written on December 16, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Lifebank Microfinance Foundation, Inc.’s joint health caravan initiative has provided essential healthcare assistance and treatment to a total of 5,732 Filipinos across the country, aligned with the organization’s fervent advocacy to ensure the wellbeing of communities.

The PRC and Lifebank held 17 health caravans from September to November this year, reaching a total of 271 communities in Laguna, Cavite, Baguio, Ozamiz City, Zambales, Tarlac, Southern Leyte, Masbate, Occidental Mindoro, Albay, Camarines Sur, Negros Oriental, Nueva Ecija, Bukidnon, Cebu, Batangas, and Misamis Oriental.

Among the services given were free health consultation, health check-ups, basic medications, blood typing, health promotion and disease awareness activities. Hot meals were also provided to the beneficiaries.

“Health caravans have been a staple of the Red Cross’ health services as we endeavor to help Filipinos build strong and healthy communities. We are thankful to our partner, Lifebank Microfinance Foundation, whose support has enabled us to serve thousands of our most vulnerable people in many parts of the country,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added: “Health is a fundamental human right, yet many people in the Philippines still do not have access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare due to financial constraints or living conditions among other matters. In the Red Cross, we are steadfast in our mission to bring healthcare to these underserved communities at no cost.”

This health caravan initiative will not be possible without the active involvement of PRC’s Medical Corps Volunteers and RC143 Volunteers. In this partnership, the PRC was able to mobilize 103 volunteer doctors, 73 volunteer nurses, and 301 RC143 volunteers.

The PRC’s chapters and branches nationwide regularly conduct health caravans as part of the organization’s health services. From January to November 2024, the PRC has conducted 510 health caravans, which have reached more than 1,000 communities and served over 131,632 individuals.

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