Philippine Red Cross

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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PH Red Cross sends humanitarian caravan to provinces hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine

Written on October 23, 2024. Posted in KristinePH, News and Events.

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is sending a full-fledged humanitarian caravan to the provinces hardest hit by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

In a meeting convened Wednesday morning, October 23, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon and Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, who are both tirelessly leading the PRC’s operations in the Philippines in the midst of the 2024 Statutory Meetings in Geneva, Switzerland, instructed the deployment of more necessary assets to Camarines Sur and Albay, following calls for aid from local officials.

“The impact of this typhoon came to us by surprise. Nabulaga tayo ng bagyong ito, pero kahit anong mangyari, laging handa ang Philippine Red Cross. We’ve already deployed many of our rescue teams, especially water, search, and rescue (WASAR) teams to help civilians stranded in their homes or on the streets. We’ll also be deploying 6×6 trucks, amphibian, rubber boats, food trucks, and water tankers. We have also mobilized our PRC chapters and Red Cross 143 volunteers in nearby regions to assist in rescue and relief efforts. We’re all hands on deck,” said Gordon.

Relief trucks are being prepared to carry food and non-food items such as jerry cans, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and kitchen sets for the thousands of families in evacuation centers.

“The safety of people in evacuation centers is very important to us. We will provide them with basic necessities like hot meals, food, and clean water. Through our welfare units, we aim to give families some comfort in these trying times to ensure their physical health and psychological wellbeing are taken care of,” said Dr. Pang.

Gordon also remarked that the PRC is closely monitoring the movement of lahar from Mayon Volcano in Albay amid the storm.

Since Severe Tropical Storm Kristine entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on October 21, 6,437 families or 23,992 individuals have been displaced in 234 evacuation centers, mostly in Albay and Sorsogon, as of 3 p.m. on October 23.

During the storm, PRC volunteers in Sorsogon were able to wade through waist-deep flood waters and strong currents to rescue a pregnant woman from her home on October 22, where she was safely transported to the provincial hospital.

As of 3 p.m. on October 23, 4,210 individuals in evacuation centers in Northern Samar, Sorsogon, Negros Occidental, Albay, Southern Leyte, and Western Samar have been given hot meals. 460 people have also received psychological first aid in Sorsogon.

The emergency response units (ERU) of PRC chapters in Catanduanes and Camarines Norte have also assisted 58 people.

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Braving the Storm: Red Cross volunteers rescue pregnant woman in flood-ridden Sorsogon

Written on October 23, 2024. Posted in Features, KristinePH, News and Events.

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — No matter how hard the storm hits, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is “Always First, Always Ready, and Always There” as our dedicated volunteers and staff sprang into action to rescue a pregnant woman from raging flood waters amid Typhoon Kristine.

At 8 a.m. on Oct. 22, the PRC emergency management services (EMS) teams on the ground received a distress call about Nica, a 20-year-old mother due to give birth between October 20-25, who was suffering from minor abdominal pain. Nica’s husband, Charles, had grown anxious after a check-up from the response team revealed a 2 cm cervical opening, heightening the possibility of her experiencing labor. He knew they needed to rush her to the hospital. However, the floodwaters had risen dramatically—from one foot to three feet—making their escape perilous.

At 10 a.m., the water, search, and rescue (WASAR) team, coordinated with Sorsogon City’s disaster response unit to rescue Nica from their flooded home, wading through 150 meters of flood and using a rope as a safety line to help the volunteers not get swept by the strong current while carrying the patient. After much difficulty traversing the roads, they emerged safely from the flood and carefully loaded her into a PRC ambulance, providing standard care during transport.

“Nagtulungan po kami para mailabas po siya at immediately kinarga sa ambulance para po maassess at madala sa ospital,” said Ruize Angeles, focal person for the Disaster Management Services (DMS) of PRC Sorsogon Chapter.

With PRC’s EMS Team, they were able to rush Nica to Sorsogon Provincial Hospital by 10:15 a.m. Fortunately, upon examination, the doctor determined her pain was not labor-related but rather false labor due to stress. Nica and Charles were advised to return once her cervix had opened to 5 cm.

Relieved but exhausted, as the floodwaters began to recede, the couple was able to return home to Brgy. Gimaloto at around 9:40 a.m. on Oct. 23 and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to PRC for their swift assistance.

The PRC also provided an emergency hotline to the couple, reminding them to call for an ambulance when the time for delivery arrives. Through the storm’s chaos, stories of resilience emerged, underscoring the enduring spirit of motherhood and community support in the face of adversity.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon commends our PRC WASAR and ambulance teams, namely John Erick Veloso, Bryan Gile, Joniel Dugan, Ruize Angeles, and Jonathan Regondola for their bravery and commitment to saving lives, as well as our staff and volunteers in Sorsogon.

“Walang Philippine Red Cross kung walang dedicated staffs and volunteers. I am grateful by the heroic deeds of our members. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtulong sa kapwa. Saludo ako sa inyo!” he said.

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PHIL RED CROSS READIES FOR TROPICAL CYCLONE KRISTINE

Written on October 22, 2024. Posted in KristinePH, News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, Philippines—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is prepared with its assets, chapters, and volunteers after Tropical Cyclone Kristine entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday morning, October 21.

As of 11 a.m. today, PAGASA reported that the eye of Tropical Cyclone Kristine was located approximately 870 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. It has maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near its center and gustiness reaching up to 70 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals No. 1 was raised over the following areas: Catanduanes, Masbate, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte and Eastern portion of Quezon in Luzon; Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran and Southern Leyte in Visayas; and Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte in Mindanao.

The state weather bureau anticipates that Kristine will strengthen into a tropical storm within the next 12 hours and may escalate to a severe tropical storm by Wednesday, October 23. It could further intensify into a typhoon by Thursday evening or Friday morning.

The PRC immediately held an emergency meeting in preparation for its response to the affected areas. As of today, PRC’s 102 Chapters and over 2 million volunteers nationwide are on standby for deployment; PRC rescue vehicles, food trucks, water tankers, and ambulances are ready to mobilize; a welfare desk was set up in Negros Occidental and more will be established alongside first aid stations and health desks in the coming days. The PRC also ensures that the blood supply will be sufficient.

“We are always ready for action. Our Operations Center has been monitoring the tropical cyclone since yesterday. Sa ating mga kababayan, maging alerto at handa sa paparating na bagyo. Nandito ang Red Cross para tulungan kayo, pero kailangan n’yo rin tulungan ang inyong mga sarili para sa inyong kaligtasan,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon.

“Huwag na nating hintayin na mag-landfall ang bagyo upang maghanda. Ngayon pa lang, mainam na ihanda ang ating Go Bag na naglalaman ng mga damit, gamot, hygiene items, flashlight, maliit na radyo, whistle, at makakain na tatagal hanggang tatlong araw, at iba pa na makatutulong para sa atin,” added PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang.

The public may call the PRC’s 24/7 hotline 143 for rescue and other emergency concerns.

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