Philippine Red Cross

PH RED CROSS EXTENDS HELP TO OVER 7K PEPITO-AFFECTED PEOPLE AMID SUCCESSIVE TYPHOON OPERATIONS

Written on November 19, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG. Philippines—In the middle of its ongoing humanitarian action for vulnerable communities affected by Tropical cyclones Kristine (Trami), Leon (Kong-Rey), Marce (Yinxing), Nika (Toraji), and Ofel (Usagi), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) extended aid to 7,040 individuals afflicted by the wrath of Super Typhoon Pepito (Man-Yi).

When Super Typhoon Pepito made its landfall on November 16, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon immediately mobilized PRC staff and Red Cross 143 volunteers in several areas and provinces in the country.

According to the PRC Operations Center as of November 18, the PRC provided 7,040 hot meals and 431 food donations to the affected people; psychological first aid to 5,986 citizens; hygiene promotion sessions to 120 evacuees; and child-friendly space to 56 children, among others.

The PRC also distributed 20,000 liters of clean water, medicines, vitamins, and shelter-strengthening kits. PRC’s rescue vehicles were strategically prepositioned while welfare desks, health desks, and first aid stations were also set up in various locations.

“Pepito is the 16th tropical storm this year and the sixth typhoon in less than a month that hit our country. We activated our response and relief teams to assist affected communities by this super typhoon while our responses for the other five typhoons are underway. It’s not easy, but the Red Cross makes it possible,” Chairman Gordon stated.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang assured the public that the Red Cross will continue its operations, ensuring that people have access to basic necessities like food and clean water while they’re facing the aftermath of the series of cyclones.

As of November 17, the PRC served 102,172 individuals affected by Typhoons Kristine and Leon; 3,568 people affected by Typhoon Marce; and a total of 8,682 citizens affected by Typhoons Nika and Ofel.

The PRC’s various humanitarian assistances were delivered to priority areas of Quezon, Batangas, Masbate, Apayao, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon.

PH Red Cross, DBM join forces with iAcademy to augment nation’s blood supply

Written on November 15, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MAKATI CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has tapped iAcademy for its joint “Dugtong Buhay Movement” bloodletting initiative on November 14 in Makati City.

The Dugtong Buhay Movement is an ongoing initiative spearheaded by the DBM, in partnership with the PRC, that aims to actively involve government agencies and the private sector in efforts to augment the country’s blood supply.

Members of the PCG and PNP, along with some iAcademy students, donated blood, resulting in a total of 280 blood units collected throughout the program.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang and DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman led the event, with iAcademy Chairman and CEO Dr. Vanessa L. Tanco, iAcademy President and COO Raquel Wong, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commander (Civil Relations Service) Teotimo Borja Jr., Southern Police District (SPD) District Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, and other officials from DBM.

Dr. Pang remarked: “We deeply appreciate the collaboration with iAcademy, PCG, and PNP through the efforts of DBM. The Dugtong Buhay Movement epitomizes the spirit of unity and selflessness that underpins the Philippine Red Cross mission of saving lives. We have a proud history of giving essential health services, and our blood program is one of our life-saving efforts. From January to October this year, we have collected 504,000 bags of blood. With this half a million, we have been able to save 259,000 lives. Given our partners’ extensive workforce and influential role in the communities, we will really be able to engage more people to give blood.”

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon thanked the blood donors for their continued generosity and support for blood donation activities. “Giving blood is giving life. We salute you, our everyday heroes, for your willingness to serve humanity.”

“This event marks the first time the Dugtong Buhay Movement has partnered with a private academic institution in such a direct and impactful way. As we donate blood today, let us commit to making it a regular part of our lives. Bawat patak na dugo na ating makokolekta, katumbas nito ang madaming buhay na pwede natin maisalba,” said Sec. Pangandaman.

“We thank our partners for spearheading this very important advocacy. Every donation matters. This is not only a chance to make a difference, but quite literally a way to save lives. By donating blood, we’re providing a lifetime to people in need, and giving hope to families,” added iAcademy Chairman Tanco.

Meanwhile, PCG Commander Borja Jr., and SPD Brig. Gen. Yang affirmed the PCG and PNP’s commitment to supporting blood donation programs, and encouraging more of their personnel to volunteer for this noble cause.

The PRC is the country’s major blood supplier with 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers.

PH RED CROSS HOLDS 2ND KADUGO RECOGNITION CEREMONY; HONORS BLOOD DONORS AND PARTNERS IN CENTRAL LUZON

Written on November 14, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

PAMPANGA, Philippines—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) held the second year of the Kadugo Recognition Ceremony which recognizes PRC’s blood donors and partners in Central Luzon on November 13.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang graced the occasion. Meanwhile, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon gave an inspirational message to awardees and guests virtually as he is leading the ongoing operations of the PRC for typhoons Nika (international name: Toraji) and Ofel (international name: Usagi) affecting most parts of Luzon.

“Since 1947, we have been the first blood bank in the nation, delivering lifesaving blood to hospitals across the country. We are the number one blood provider, and because of your unwavering support, countless lives are saved every day. As co-chair of the National Blood Council, I stand firm in the belief that no hospital should ever be without blood, and no person should ever be deprived of the lifesaving resource they need. Chairman Gordon stated.

345 blood allies and benefactors of the PRC in Bulacan, Pampanga, Olongapo, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Tarlac, and Aurora were awarded Blood Samaritan Awards, Outstanding Blood Services Partners of the Year, Special Awards, Testimonial Plaque, Blood Services Platinum Awards, Scroll of Honor, Diploma of Service, and Certificate of Appreciation.

“Please know that your efforts have made a difference. You’re unsung heroes, and your actions speak volumes about the power of kindness and humanity. Every donation you make and every bit of support you offer is a testament to your compassion and commitment to saving lives. Your contributions ensure that we can continue to provide lifesaving blood to those in need, delivering hope and healing to countless individuals and their families,” remarked Dr. Gwen Pang.

The PRC remains the country’s major blood supplier. According to the PRC Blood Services, it collected 504,590 blood units and served 259,978 patients from January to October 2024. PRC’s target is to reach approximately 750,000 blood units this year.

Additionally, the PRC Chapters in Region 3 contributed a total of 47,243 blood units to the seven chapter blood facilities of the PRC that supported 22,398 patients in need of blood transfusion and 561 partner hospitals.

To date, the PRC has 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers.

PH RED CROSS MOBILIZES ADDITIONAL ASSETS TO TYPHOON-AFFECTED CAGAYAN

Written on November 14, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, Philippines—As part of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) commitment to save lives and serve more vulnerable communities affected by the aftermaths of Typhoons Marce (Yinxing) and Nika (Toraji), as well as the possible impact of Super Typhoon Ofel (Usagi), PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon mobilized additional assets to Cagayan on November 13.

The second humanitarian caravan en route to Cagayan consists of a food truck, a 6×6 truck, a rescue boat, and an emergency response team. Last November 11, the PRC sent its initial humanitarian caravan composed of a water tanker, two food trucks, and two service vehicles in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora.

“This just shows that we’re applying our mantra to be always first, always ready, and always there. Yesterday, we mobilized the second batch of our assets to serve more vulnerable individuals in need of our immediate assistance in Cagayan since Ofel is expected to make landfall there. We want to ensure that our chapters are fully equipped and ready to respond to any emergencies,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon.

According to the 11 a.m. advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on November 14, Super Typhoon Ofel will continue to endanger Cagayan Valley. Ofel was located over the coastal waters of Divilacan, Isabela, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) with gustiness of 230 kph.

“Though we already provided a lot of humanitarian aid to our typhoon-affected kababayans in several areas, our work will continue because there’s a lot to be done,” added PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang.

As of November 14, approximately 5,000 people affected by Marce and Nika received hot meals, clean water, hygiene promotion sessions, medicines, health consultations, and child-friendly spaces, among others, from the PRC.

PH Red Cross Deploys Humanitarian Caravan to Isabela, Aurora, and Cagayan for Typhoons Marce, Nika, and upcoming Ofel

Written on November 13, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is deploying a humanitarian caravan to Isabela, Aurora, and Cagayan in anticipation of the impact of Typhoon Nika (“Toraji”), and of upcoming Ofel (“Man-yi”), and to boost efforts in providing the immediate needs of families affected by the recent Typhoon Marce (“Yinxing”).

In the morning of November 11, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon convened a meeting with PRC’s executive officers, managers, and local chapter administrators to discuss further relief measures for communities affected by Marce, and plan preemptive responses to safeguard residents in Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Region, and parts of Central Luzon.

The caravan consists of a water tanker, two food trucks, a cargo truck to be loaded with relief items, a 6×6 truck and two service vehicles. A PRC emergency response team will be deployed along with the 6 x 6 truck, for possible rescue and clearing assistance. In addition, two assessment teams from PRC Marikina and PRC Valenzuela, two hot meals teams from PRC Cavite Chapter and PRC Pasay City Chapter, and one WASH Team from the headquarters will also be sent to help operations in the affected provinces in the region.

“This humanitarian caravan is part of our anticipatory action efforts to prepare crucial assets in North Luzon. This is at least the fourth storm in just the past two weeks to hit the country, with at least 2 more forecasted to come in almost the same path before the end of the year. We want to ensure that our local chapters are fully equipped to respond to any emergencies, especially since heavy rains and strong winds have been experienced in Cagayan, Aurora and the neighboring regions. In these dangerous times, preparedness is a life-saving necessity,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

Along with the vehicles and manpower, the caravan will also include necessary items such as 2,000 pieces of tarpaulin to serve as temporary shelter for households with damaged roofs and walls, and 1,000 sets of shelter tool kits (ie. handsaw, shovel, nails, ropes, other construction tools); all of which will be given to families affected by the recent typhoons Marce and Nika.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added: “Our teams on the ground have reported many homes destroyed and families displaced, with others still in recovery from Kristine. We’ve given initial relief such as hot meals, food, and clean water, but our teams’ assessments on the ground indicate there is more work to be done.”

To recall, two humanitarian caravans were sent to Bicol (specifically Camarines Sur and Albay) following the severe impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (“Trami”), followed by Typhoon Leon (“Kong-rey”) on the region’s people and property.

PH Red Cross gives hot meals, distributes clean water to Marce-affected families

Written on November 11, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has given hot meals to displaced families and distributed clean water to communities affected by Typhoon Marce (international name: Yinxing) in Northern Luzon.

As of 4 p.m. on November 8, hot meals have been given to 320 individuals in evacuation centers in Cagayan while food was donated to more than 30 individuals in Apayao. 110 people in Cagayan and Ilocos Norte were also provided with psychological support amid the storm, and 114 children participated in activities within the child-friendly spaces established in evacuation centers in both Cagayan and Apayao.

The PRC has also distributed 96 liters of clean water and 203 bottled waters to residents. 50 people also joined the PRC’s hygiene promotion sessions, particularly handwashing activities aimed to teach proper sanitation and hygiene to children.

In addition, medicines and doxycycline were given to individuals in Ilocos Norte.

According to recent data collated by the PRC Operation Center, Marce has prompted the evacuation of over 3,000 families or nearly 9,000 individuals in the Cagayan Valley region and Ilocos Region.

Prior to the typhoon’s landfall in Cagayan, RC143 volunteers and staff already conducted shelter strengthening activities, providing some 17 families in Brgys. Minanga, Paddaya, and Villa Leonora in Buguey, Cagayan with shelter strengthening toolkits containing materials that can help make their homes sturdier in order to withstand strong winds and heavy rains.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon remarked: “Our kababayans in the North have had no rest from the harsh impacts of Kristine, Leon, and now Marce. For the people of Cagayan, we have given out tools to build stronger homes, assisted in early evacuation efforts, and are continuously providing food and water to quell people’s hunger and thirst. As we anticipate more typhoons before this year ends, we are focusing on implementing preemptive and anticipatory actions to help reduce their effects on communities. Post-disaster relief is vital, but preparedness remains the key.”

“These relentless storms reinforce the importance of disaster preparedness at the community and individual levels. More storms and other disasters will come, so we must be “disaster-wais.” We urge everyone to prepare their “go-bags” in case of emergency evacuation, be vigilant, keep updated on the news, and follow protocols from the authorities in your areas,” added PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang.

As of 4 p.m. today, the center of the eye of Typhoon MARCE exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

PH RED CROSS REINFORCES RELIEF EFFORTS IN KRISTINE-HIT CAMARINES SUR, ALBAY

Written on November 5, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon and Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang personally went to vulnerable communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine (international name: Trami) in Camarines Sur and Albay as part of the PRC’s intensified relief efforts on October 30.

“Personal kaming nagtungo sa mga probinsyang ito para maipadama ang pagkalinga at pagmamahal ng Red Cross sa ating mga kababayang lubhang naapektuhan ng nagdaang Bagyong Kristine. Nagpadala tayo ng ating assets gaya ng water tankers, food trucks, amphibian, 6×6 rescue trucks, at iba pa upang maipaabot ang iba’t ibang tulong at serbisyo ng PRC. Kalunos-lunos man ang ating naging karanasan, nandito kami para magbigay pag-asa at samahan kayong bumangon,” Chairman Gordon said.

The PRC distributed hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and jerry cans to 399 families or 1,995 individuals in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Additionally, the PRC also provided hot meals and clean water for the affected residents. A health caravan was also conducted wherein the beneficiaries were given medicines and Doxycycline capsules for leptospirosis prevention.

After Naga, the PRC went straight to Brgy. Malitbog, Minalabac, CamSur and dispensed packed meals, kitchen sets, and jerry cans to 400 families or 2,500 individuals.

In the afternoon, the PRC traveled to the Brgy. Zone 4, Libon, Albay to continue its relief efforts. A total of 487 families or 2,420 individuals were provided food packs and jerry cans.

Moreover, the PRC supplied hot meals and organized a health caravan wherein the residents availed free medicines, health promotion sessions, and IEC materials.

Still in Albay, the PRC went to Brgy. Buga, Libon, and distributed kitchen sets and jerry cans to 681 households. Potable water was also provided for the affected residents.

“We are continuously appealing to our donors and sponsors because our work is not yet over. The PRC has been there for our kababayans since day one. Salamat sa ating mga masisipag na volunteers sa buong bansa na kasama natin sa labang ito,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

The PRC’s Typhoon Kristine relief and recovery efforts in CamSur and Albay were made possible through the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Australian Embassy, the Canadian Red Cross, and New Zealand Aid.

As of October 30, the PRC served over 31,000 people in 49 affected provinces in the country under its STS Kristine operations.

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Red Cross assists over 11,400 Filipinos during Undas

Written on November 5, 2024. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines —- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has given medical aid to a total of 11,429 individuals during its week-long operations in this year’s Undas.

As of 11 a.m. on November 4, the PRC Safety services unit recorded 11,017 individuals who availed of the free vital signs checking (ie. blood pressure taking) services at the PRC’s first aid stations.

Emergency medical service (EMS) teams also treated 357 patients with minor injuries such as bruises, burns, headaches, hypertension, heat exhaustion, nausea, and nose bleeds; as well as 25 people with major cases like abdominal pain, mild stroke, and seizures. 30 people in need of more urgent medical attention were transported to nearby hospitals by EMS teams in ambulance units.

In addition to medical care, 700 people were also assisted by the PRC through its welfare assistance activities. Hot meals were provided to over 590 people and psychological support was also offered.

A total of 359 first aid stations were established, 2,548 first aiders mobilized, and 71 ambulances deployed.

Aside from giving medical assistance to people visiting their loved ones in cemeteries, the PRC also conducted “Lakbay Alalay” activities, which assisted 1,516 travelers through 43 first aid stations.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon lauded the committed efforts of the volunteers and staff who devoted their time to serve the public on this important occasion.

“When everyone was on vacation at this time, our first aiders selflessly volunteered to lend their services to safeguard communities from harm. Our work in the Red Cross does not stop, does not rest. I salute out volunteers and staff for their unwavering dedication to our mission to uplift human dignity and alleviate human suffering,” he said.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang remarked: “Surely, our presence in the cemeteries, highways, ports, and other places gave comfort to our fellow Filipinos, knowing someone will answer when they call for help. This year’s Undas has been a peaceful and solemn one thanks to them.”

PHIL RED CROSS DISPATCHES 2ND BATCH OF HUMANITARIAN CARAVAN TO ‘KRISTINE’-HIT AREAS

Written on October 26, 2024. Posted in KristinePH, News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, Philippines—The country’s premier humanitarian organization, Philippine Red Cross (PRC), headed by its Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon dispatched the second batch of humanitarian caravan to provinces gravely affected by the Severe Tropical Storm ‘Kristine’ on October 25.

The additional assets include a ten-wheeler relief truck to be loaded with relief items, two 10,000-liter water tankers, two water treatment units, a service vehicle, and communication systems (three Starlink units and ten satellite phones).

In addition to the standard relief items, the PRC will target to provide mother and baby kits to support pregnant women and new mothers with infants affected by this disaster. These kits are essential for addressing the unique needs of mothers and babies in emergency situations, helping to ensure their health and well-being amid the crisis. A mini van containing 1,000 packs of loaf breads donated by a partner of PRC was also dispatched to Bicol.

“According to the report from our Operations Center, there are more than 68,000 families or over 300,000 individuals affected by ‘Kristine’—that’s pretty alarming. We are in the service of saving lives; alleviating the suffering of our people is our goal. That’s why I decided to send more of our assets and volunteers on the ground to serve and save many others,” said Chairman Gordon.

“We ensure the safety and well-being of our kababayans especially those in evacuation centers by providing them basic necessities like food and potable water. Malaking bagay ito dahil kahit umalis na ang bagyo, patuloy ang pangangailangan ng mga taong apektado,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

Last October 23, the PRC mobilized its first batch of humanitarian caravan comprised of an amphibian; two food trucks; two 6×6 rescue trucks; five rubber boats; food truck; two water tankers; two water bladders; two water filtration units; a six-wheeler truck; two generator sets; a ten-wheeler relief truck with 500 sets of jerry cans, 500 kitchen sets, 500 hygiene kits, 500 sleeping kits, and emergency telecommunication units such as satellite internet and satellite phones.

As of October 25, the PRC served hot meals to over 14,450 evacuees; provided psychological first aid to 956 individuals; child-friendly activities to 691 children; rescued 428 people; hygiene promotion sessions to 1,200 individuals; and 481 patients were given medical assistance.

The PRC has set up 53 welfare desks and 27 first aid stations. PRC has provided 6,711 liters of clean water in evacuation centers and ports. Additionally, 25,000 Doxycycline capsules were distributed in the Bicol Region for leptospirosis prevention.

The above-stated humanitarian services were delivered in thirty-three (33) typhoon-ravaged provinces nationwide.

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GORDON: RED CROSS IS PREPARED FOR THIS ‘BULAGA SEASON’

Written on October 25, 2024. Posted in KristinePH, News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, Philippines—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) remains active in rescue and response as the country experiences the wrath of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine (international name: Trami).

In a Facebook post, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon wrote that the nation is currently facing what he called ‘Bulaga season’ wherein typhoons become more unpredictable and extreme than expected, along with successive rescue operations in Camarines Sur, Bicol, Batangas, Cavite, and Laguna.

“Sa kasalukuyan, nararanasan natin ang tinatawag kong ‘Bulaga season’ kung saan biglang lumalakas ang mga bagyo na higit pa sa inaasahan. Tila hindi na sapat ang kahit anong paghahanda, dahil palaging may kakulangan kapag dumating ang mga ganitong kalamidad. Hindi lamang ito nangyayari sa Pilipinas—halimbawa, sa US, maaaring tamaan ng isang bagyo at pagkatapos ng ilang linggo, muling tatamaan ng isa pang bagyo,” Gordon shared.

He also mentioned the reported lahar flow from Mayon Volcano in Albay due to heavy rainfall brought by STS Kristine. Gordon explained that if the lahar flow continues, it will cause grave damages to many innocent lives.

“Kung patuloy na bababa ang lahar, maaaring maputol nito ang ugnayan ng Albay at Camarines Sur, lalo na kung aabot ito sa mga pangunahing daan. Kailangan nating maghanda ng masusing plano para sa paglikas, tulong, at pagsuporta sa mga kabuhayan kung sakaling mangyari ito. Ito rin ay maaaring magdulot ng matinding suliranin sa ekonomiya, pagkasira ng mga tahanan, at pagkawala ng kabuhayan, tulad ng mga mudslide na naganap sa North Carolina. Malaki ang posibilidad ng pinsala sa imprastruktura, at lubos na maaapektuhan ang pang-araw-araw na buhay ng mga tao,” he added.

Chairman Gordon assures that the PRC is all out in providing necessary services and aid for those in dire need. On October 23, the PRC dispatched a comprehensive humanitarian caravan (amphibian water vessel, service vehicle, 6×6 truck, food truck, and five rubber boats) to the typhoon-affected provinces. Other assets such as water tankers, service vehicles, and ambulance units are on standby in PRC Chapters.

As of October 24 (8 p.m.), the PRC served hot meals to over 8,000 individuals; provided psychological first aid to 460 persons; and served 394 patients. Red Cross 143 volunteers and staff were also mobilized on the ground while welfare desks and first aid stations were strategically prepositioned in severely affected areas.

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