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1,067 Blood Bags Secured: PH Red Cross, DBM’s ‘Dugtong Buhay Movement’ caps 2024 strong with holiday bloodletting

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MANILA, Philippines — Harnessing the wide sphere and sheer power of the public and private sectors, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)’s joint bloodletting initiative, “Dugtong Buhay Movement,” has already collected a total of 1,067 blood units in its first five-month rollout, serving as a testament to many Filipinos’ readiness to help secure the nation’s blood supply. 

With the contributions of the Movement, the PRC has collected a total of 544,663 blood units from January to date this year, surpassing the 538,769 units collected in 2023. The blood collected and dispensed have been able to help save the lives of 276,851 patients. 

Through the leadership of DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and the steadfast support of PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, the blood drive has amassed highly-influential partners such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, the local government of San Fernando, La Union, and iAcademy; all of whom have pledged to engage their constituents in regular voluntary blood donations. 

On December 6, it conducted its fifth mass bloodletting drive, this time in partnership with the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) – Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Ermita, Manila. UP’s affiliate organizations (UP Pahinungod, Phi Kappa Mu and Mu Sigma Phi Fraternities, and Phi Lambda Delta and Mu Sigma Phi Sororities) and personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) also volunteered to donate their blood in the program. A total of 154 blood units were collected during the activity. 

“We are happy and proud to be a partner of DBM. Ensuring our country has an ample blood supply is a whole team, whole nation effort. With Secretary Amenah at the helm, DBM has put so much love in this initiative that we’ve done together since August. Sec. Amenah has been very hands-on in ensuring the success of these blood drives, and because of that great leadership, the Philippine Red Cross is 100 percent committed to the Dugtong Buhay Movement. We hope we inspire more partners to join us because we have been able to help many patients through the blood we have collected,” said Dr. Pang, 

She also stressed the PRC’s dedication to helping PGH, which is at the top of the PRC’s blood supply distribution network. Just this year, the PRC has provided the PGH with 12,856 blood bags, aiding 3,735 patients. In the past, the PRC and PGH have collaborated on establishing a field hospital during the measles outbreak, augmenting equipment and staff of the health unit, creating a triage area and providing personal protective equipment (PPEs) to PGH frontliners. 32 students under a PRC scholarship are also currently studying in UP Manila College of Medicine. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon also expressed his support for the blood donation program, noting that the PRC will continue to mobilize its health units, volunteers, and staff, as well as provide resources, to ensure the success of all the mass bloodletting activities under the Dugtong Buhay Movement. 

Meanwhile, Secretary Pangandaman thanked the PRC, PCG, and PNP, who have been her constant partners in this initiative since day one. “Sa lahat ng ating mga donors at volunteers, maraming-maraming salamat po. Truly you are not just life savers, but life givers.” 

“Sa inyong partisipasyon, pinapakita ninyo ang tunay na diwa ng pagkakaisa at serbisyo na nagpapalakas ng ating komunidad. Napakahalaga ng aktibidad na ito dahil nakapagbibigay tayo ng isang bagay na libre pero walang katumbas na halaga — ang pagdugtong ng buhay. Araw-araw, madaming tao, lalo na ang mga bata, ang nangangailangan nito. Sa bawat dugong ibinabahagi natin, natutulungan natin ang mga nangangailangan tulad ng mga pasyenteng may cancer, mga nanay at nanganganak, at mga biktima ng aksidente na makasama ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ng mas matagal pa. Ngayong holiday season, ang dugong inyong handog ay maituturing na po nating maagang pamasko para sa mga nangangailangan. Nakakataba po sa puso na makitang habang lumilipas ang panahon, patuloy na lumalawak ang saklaw at epekto ng ating inisyatiba. Habang tumatagal dumadami po ang ating mga partners at volunteers na handang tumulong. Mas lumalaki po ang ating Dugtong Buhay Movement,” she said. 

Moreover, UPM-PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, and UPM Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tee shared their gratitude and delight to have the institution as part of the Movement since the demand for blood is very high in the hospital, seeing as they serve 700,000 patients a year  and conduct around 30,000 operations. 

Other key guests who gave messages of support for the initiative at the event were PCG National Capital Region (NCR) – Central Luzon Acting Commander Commo. Arnaldo M. Lim, Manila Police District (MPD) Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, and BJMP Medical Division Chief JSupt. John Paul Borlongan.   

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 nationwide. Under the directive of Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, the PRC aims to provide 70 percent of the country’s overall supply of blood.

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PH Red Cross receives P1.2 M donation from PHILCONSA for storm-affected communities

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MAKATI CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) received a generous donation worth P1.2 million from the Philippine Constitution Association (PHILCONSA) to support relief efforts for families and individuals affected by the recent storms and typhoons that battered parts of the country.

The donation was turned over to PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon by PHILCONSA President Speaker Martin Romualdez, Chief Justice Tess De Castro, Gov. Inky Reyes, Gov. Baby Ortiz, and PHILCONSA’s Board of Directors in a brief ceremony in Makati City on December 5.

P200,000 of the P1.2 million donation was given by PHILCONSA Member and Board Member of PRC Manila Chapter Nelia Sarcol.

Gordon delivered a short message at the event, thanking PHILCONSA’s members for choosing to donate to the PRC this holiday season. “The Philippine Red Cross would like to thank you on behalf of all the vulnerable people in the country. In a month, a steady attack of storms and typhoons bombarded our country, leaving many Filipinos displaced, lacking basic resources, losing livelihoods. I assure you that your donation will really come a long way.”.

“As we say, ‘We gather light to scatter.’ You’ve shown that whatever you have contributed is hope, not really the amount, but what is in the heart. To the many people without food, water, shelter – those are the people we need to look after especially this season, ” he added.

PHILCONSA had previously donated P350,000 to the PRC back in 2013 to support efforts for Typhoon Haiyan.

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Salute to our Unsung Heroes: PH Red Cross affirms support for NKTI’s organ donation advocacy

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 QUEZON CITY, Philippines —- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) affirmed its support to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI)’s valiant efforts to advocate for organ donation during the unveiling of the hospital’s new monument, “Vita Infinitum,” commemorating deceased organ donors who have helped save countless Filipino lives.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang emphasized that NKTI is a trusted partner of the Philippine Red Cross in the noble mission of organ donation. “As we continue this vital collaboration, the PRC reaffirms its unwavering support to NKTI’s organ donation advocacy. Through our extensive networks of chapters, volunteers, and committee programs, we are committed to raising awareness about the impact of organ donation. Together, we will work together to educate communities, dispel misconceptions, and inspire more Filipinos to see organ donation as a gift of hope and life to humanity. Our shared vision goes beyond advocacy. We stand united in offering psychosocial support to grieving families, ensuring they feel valued and respected during such critical times. We also remain steadfast in training more PRC volunteers and health advocates to facilitate organ donation with compassion and dignity, honoring both the donors and families.” 

“The PRC is embracing the vision of transformative collaboration as we strengthen partnerships with various organizations to deepen our impact in communities nationwide. We are in full support of the NKTI’s tireless efforts in organ donation and transplantation, as we share common goals to protect life, alleviate human suffering, and uplift human dignity,” added PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

“Vita Infinitum,” meaning “infinity of life,” was erected as a tribute to deceased organ donors of NKTI since the hospital’s establishment in 1983. It was built by NKTI, in partnership with the Rotary Club of San Juan Supreme, Eisenhower, and San Juan Neopolitan. 

“We honor the selfless generosity, act of charity, and eternal love of their families, whose gifts have transformed and extended the lives of our countless patients. They donated their kidneys, liver, pancreas, cornea, and even bones, and soon we have embarked on the heart and lung transplant. This [monument] highlights the role of NKTI to strengthen the deceased organ donation, in providing life saving care for individuals. This is a powerful reminder of our unsung heroes. They will not be forgotten,” said NKTI Executive Director Dr. Rose Rosete-Liquete.

The unveiling ceremony, held on December 5 at the NKTI Grounds in Quezon City, was graced by NKTI Executive Director Dr. Rosete-Liquete, PRC Secretary General Dr. Pang, Dr. Enrique Ona, former Secretary of Health and former NKTI Executive Director; heads of the Philippine Lung Center, Philippine Heart Center, rotary clubs, and representatives from the Kidney Transplant Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KITAP) and other groups. 

Ms. Maria Pauline Saldaña also gave her testimony as a liver transplant recipient of NKTI’s organ donor program after battling cirrhosis (or severe scarring of the liver). “To everyone who is able. I hope you choose to be a donor. You can help prevent a tragedy, and transform it into a legacy that would live on and be a blessing to extend people’s lives. Every donation is such a precious gift you can choose to give.” 

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SACRED HEART HOSPITAL MALOLOS INC. PARTNERS WITH PH RED CROSS TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT BLOOD SUPPLY FOR VULNERABLE PATIENTS     

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MANDALUYONG,  PHILIPPINES – With the mission to save more lives through the provision of immediate access to safe, affordable, adequate, and quality blood supply, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos, Inc. inked a memorandum of agreement for blood supply distribution at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong on December 2. 

The MOA states that the PRC will continue to provide blood to Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos, ensuring a steady blood supply for patients in need of blood transfusion to survive, especially the poor. The Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos is the new addition to the roster of partner hospitals of the PRC alongside Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Luke’s Medical Center, AC Healthway Cancer Care Center, and Manila Doctors Hospital. 

“The vision is really simple: when you need blood, you must have it. Speed is the name of the game. When patients are asked to bring in more people to hospitals for their blood needs, that’s stressful; when they’re asked to pay for it, that’s even more stressful! We are in the vocation of alleviating the suffering of vulnerable people so we’re easing the burden not only on patients, but their families. Hindi na nila kailangang magpunta sa amin para sa dugo, we will deliver blood to their doorsteps. Makatitipid din ang mga ospital dahil hindi na nila kailangang magbayad ng tao para kumuha ng dugo dahil kami mismo ang magdadala sa ospital. We’ve been doing blood collection for 78 years, kaya naming mag-supply ng dugo sa buong bansa,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon reiterated. 

Meanwhile, Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos President and CEO Renerio Jover mentioned that “this new development that the Red Cross has envisioned is fantastic. It will help hospitals because securing blood for patients is very challenging especially if you’re far from the source. I hope you can escalate this to more hospitals in far-flung provinces.” 

“Today marks another significant milestone to ensure that every patient receives the care they need. The marching order of Chairman Gordon is that no one will be turned away if they need blood. We thank the Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos for this partnership and we hope that this will inspire more hospitals to partner with us as well,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 

Prior to the MOA signing, the PRC through its Bulacan Chapter has been supplying blood to Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos. From January to November this year, the PRC provided 766 blood units to 435 patients.

PH Red Cross showcases best practices, affirms ties with the Embassy of France through QC learning visit

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines — As a testament to its commitment to uplifting human dignity and alleviating human suffering, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) showcased its best practices in health, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), emergency response, First Aid, and volunteer engagement to the Embassy of France to the Philippines and to Micronesia, one of the PRC’s long standing partners in humanitarian service.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, along with PRC volunteers and personnel from the national headquarters and Quezon City Chapter, warmly welcomed H. E. Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines, during her learning visit to Batasan Hills on December 2.

Dr. Pang shared that this learning visit aimed to highlight the PRC’s deep connection to communities through constant engagement with the people, mobilization and training of Red Cross 143 volunteers and Red Cross Youth (RCY) at the grassroots level.

“The French government and French Red Cross have been invaluable partners in our humanitarian mission in the country, especially in their support for our efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (“Haiyan”). Together we built homes and lives, and restored hope to the people who were really hit hard by the storm. Ambassador Fontanel’s visit really reaffirms our shared commitment to alleviate suffering and promote human dignity. With her support, we can surely continue to build resilient communities, give hope, and save lives for a safer future for the Filipino people,” she said.

Ambassador Fontanel remarked: “The Philippine Red Cross is one of the most dedicated and committed [national societies] all over the world. Knowing that the Philippines is the most exposed to disasters in the world, you are the one who can teach other countries on how to find the strength, find the resilience to cope from all the typhoons you have experienced.”

The visit began at the Batasan Hills National High School, one of the most populous schools in the country, and home to the PRC’s strongest and most active RCY groups. Students were taught basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wherein around 100 students and members of the school’s RCY joined the CPR demonstration.

They were also briefly given lectures on DRRM, the early warning system, and the importance of disaster preparedness. The booths featured the emergency “Go Bag,” and the virtual reality (VR) tool used for disaster response training.

The PRC also presented one of its food trucks, which is deployed to assist in the distribution of hot meals and food packs in times of disasters. At the Batasan Hills Barangay Hall, the PRC set up its mobile clinic for its “Health on Wheels” initiative, with beneficiaries lined up for health check ups, and volunteers ready to provide basic medicines.

Moreover, the delegation headed to the PRC Quezon City Chapter office to view the Command Center, and meet the chapter’s lively RC143 and RCY volunteers.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon extended his thanks to the French Ambassador and the French Red Cross (FRC) for their unwavering support for the PRC’s programs.

From 2014 to 2015, the PRC partnered with the FRC, France-Philippines United Action and Habitat for Humanity Philippines for a housing, livelihood, and access to basic services project for people affected by Typhoon Haiyan in Northern Cebu. Through the project, 128 houses in the Red Cross Village in Barangay Paypay, Daan Bantayan were built, along with a livelihood center, day-care center, and barangay health center. Solar panels were also provided by the Electriciens Sans Frontieres, in partnership with the FRC, in the Red Cross Village and Mandaue Warehouse.

On the Road to Recovery: PH Red Cross sends food truck and welfare team to Polillo Island, shelter repair kits to Cagayan

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MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — Even as the weather begins to ease after four weeks of non-stop tropical cyclones and typhoons, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to mobilize its full force of volunteers, staff, assets, and resources in hard-hit provinces to help all affected communities have access to basic necessities and support as they recover their homes and livelihoods after the storm.

A caravan, consisting of a food truck and response team of volunteers and staff together with a drone operator from the local chapter, was deployed to Polillo Island, which was battered by fierce winds and heavy rains by Super Typhoon Pepito (“Man-yi”) after Catanduanes.

The food truck and team arrived at 12 nn on November 20, in Polillo from the PRC Quezon-Lucena Chapter after nearly eight hours of land and sea travel overnight, passing by Lumban and Famy, Laguna to the Port of Real in Quezon to get to the island. The food truck is currently in Sitio Corrigidor, Barangay Libjo and the response and assessment team will visit different municipalities such as Burdeos, Patnanungan and the island of Jomalig.

The PRC Quezon team has conducted assessment activities in communities, prepared hot meals for evacuees, as well as set up welfare desks, health stations, first aid stations, and conducted psychosocial support, health and hygiene promotion in evacuation centers and communities.

Meanwhile, a separate caravan of trucks loaded with corrugated galvanized iron (CGI) sheets, PGI sheets, and shelter tool kits (which contain a handsaw, shovel, nails, ropes, and other construction tools) will be headed to PRC Cagayan Chapter from PRC’s warehouse in Subic. This is in addition to the continuous response of the PRC to the affected families because of the multiple cyclones from cyclone Marce, Nika, Ofel to Pepito.

These materials will be distributed to assist people in rebuilding or strengthening their homes especially those families whose houses were damaged by the storms.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon stressed that these caravans are part of post-disaster relief efforts to help individuals and families recover with dignity from the storms.

“In the Red Cross, we believe that the help we extend must be holistic and forward-looking. When the typhoon is slashing through an area, our volunteers’ hot meals and welfare services bring the warmth of home away from home, especially as families stay in evacuation centers for long stretches of time. But for the future, we provide roofing materials and construction tools so they can strengthen their homes to withstand the next storm, and more importantly, begin rebuilding their lives. As we alleviate human suffering, we must also uplift human dignity, ” said Gordon.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added: “This is a crucial time since it’s in the aftermath of a storm where you can really see the extent of the damages done to communities, properties, and livelihoods. Many communities, especially remote ones, have been deprived of basic needs, and it is our mission to help them bounce back. We will see to it that our relief operations continue until every single family is able to recover from this disaster.”

In its operations for Super Typhoon Pepito, as of November 21, the PRC has given hot meals to over 29,000 individuals, psychological first aid to 3,000 people, and provided child-friendly spaces that has benefitted more than 500 children, according to the PRC’s Operations Center. 30,000 liters of water have been distributed, while more than 3,500 individuals have participated in disease prevention and hygiene promotion activities.

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

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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

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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 

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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  

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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. 

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.

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