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.
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.
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.
PASAY CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), shared and showcased its best disaster risk reduction (DRR) practices in the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from October 14 to 18, 2024.
This year’s APMCDRR, hosted by the Philippine government in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), gathered government, intergovernmental, international, national and civil society organizations, the private sector, science, academia and other stakeholder groups in developing current DRR measures, targets, and goals at the regional level, in relation to the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (Sendai Framework).
As the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, the PRC co-led and co-facilitated many events, including 10 sessions, in the conference with IFRC, demonstrating its leadership and expertise in DRR. A total of 91 representatives from the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement joined the conference.
“The Philippine Red Cross is honored to have taken part in this conference that’s critical to these changing times. DRR is near and dear to the Red Cross as the bulk of our operations focus on disaster response, relief, and recovery. In our 77 year-history, becoming the Philippines’ largest humanitarian organization, we always strive to enhance our DRR protocols and strategies, making them more effective, responsive, and adaptive to a growing hazardous landscape. Beyond that, it is our mission to imbue DRR in the hearts of Filipino communities, instilling the spirit of resilience and bayanihan among the people,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang remarked on the success of the conference, saying “It is a testament to the PRC and IFRC’s tireless efforts in DRR that we played a pivotal role in leading and sharing our insights and passion in humanitarian work. The APMCDRR is an influential and essential platform that helps us reconnect with our fellow National Societies, and foster meaningful ties with old friends and new allies. We will take all the valuable lessons we’ve learned to heart, paving more inclusive and resilient DRR practices to save Filipino lives.”
PRC highlights in APMCDRR
On the first day of the conference, Dr. Pang shared her insights on inclusive DRR and resilience projects, highlighting the PRC’s own DRR protocols and strategies, in the session on “Advancing Equity: Scaling Up Disaster Risk Management in the Health Sector Through Women in Leadership.”
She then joined other DRR leaders as a moderator for two panel discussions on October 16. The session on “Risk Communication and the Role of Media and Social Media for Inclusive and Actionable Early Warning Messages” tackled the best practices of experts on risk communication to transform media and social media as effective tools throughout the entire disaster cycle, focusing on accessibility for all, nurturing trust in media platforms, and fighting misinformation and disinformation on DRR. Meanwhile, the “Enhancing Local Resilience and Capacity Building” panel discussion explored the challenges in localization of DRR, as well as the measures to scale up DRR practices while maintaining institutional ties with DRR stakeholders, investing in community partnerships, and managing finances for projects.
On October 17, the PRC and IFRC led the panel on “Strengthening the Legal Foundation of DRR,” discussing the legal frameworks to strengthen DRR efforts and develop disaster laws.
In sideline events at the conference, Ms. Criselda Longga, manager of the Disaster Management Services (DMS) office of PRC, took to the Ignite Stage to share the PRC’s disaster vulnerability and capacity assessment in Lanao province, highlighting the importance of community voices in effective planning and implementation of DRR. PRC DMS’ Technical Officer Mr. Steven Laranjo also participated in a talk on “Nature-Based Solutions and Nature-Positive Risk Financing for DRR.”
Forging old and new ties
The APMCDRR was also an opportunity for the PRC and IFRC to strengthen existing ties and establish new partnerships to enhance countries and communities’ disaster risk reduction capacity and strategies.
On October 16, Secretary General Dr. Pang met with Catherine McIntosh, Ambassador of New Zealand to the Philippines, and the rest of the New Zealand delegation for a bilateral meeting. She presented the PRC’s current programs and initiatives in DRR, highlighting its strong practices in early warning protocols and anticipatory action, DRR resilience, along with lessons learned from local DRR efforts.
The PRC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with its new partner, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), on October 14 to collaborate on community-based disaster risk reduction and management (CBDRRM) training for local government units (LGUs) and communities. PRC Chairman Gordon and Dr. Pang signed the MOU with OCD Usec. Ariel F. Nepomuceno, and Civil Defense Training Institute (CDTI) Director Eugenio Gepte Jr.
Meanwhile, the IFRC renewed its MOU with the Asia Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) on October 14 to streamline the organization’s internal and external capacity building support systems to enhance disaster management. The event was led by Juja IFRC Deputy Regional Director Ms. Juja Kim.
Showcasing the RCRC Movement in Asia Pacific
The IFRC and PRC, in collaboration with the UNDRR, also set up an interactive exhibit showcasing the RCRC Movement’s achievements, programs, and projects in the Asia Pacific. The booth featured pamphlets and brochures on the Movement, as well as a phone booth wherein delegates can simulate calling the National Societies’ hotlines in times of crisis.
The IFRC also opened an art exhibit titled, “Are you Ready,” in SM Mall of Asia, presenting artworks illustrating challenges and solutions related to DRR from various artists in the Asia Pacific region.
First aid assistance to delegates
Beyond signings, sessions and showcases, the PRC also lent its services by mobilizing a team of first aiders to provide medical assistance and ensure the safety of over 4,000 delegates who attended the week-long conference. Twelve electric scooters were deployed to the venue, enabling the team to swiftly respond to any emergency around the PICC complex. Two PRC ambulances were also stationed at the venue.
“I know our first aiders’ presence in the conference gave the delegates some comfort, knowing the Red Cross is there when they need help. We thank our volunteers and staff for their hard work,” said Gordon.
MANDALUYONG, Philippines—In an effort to enhance its blood services by embracing technology and innovation, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) National Blood Services made another significant milestone in the country’s blood donation history as it formally introduced the Hololens Mixed Reality Headset for blood donors in partnership with Abbott to media partners and PRC Chapter representatives on October 15.
This technological advancement aims to improve the overall blood donation experience of donors by reducing anxiety and making blood donation fun and relaxing.
“We’re always first, always ready, and always there. For the first time in the Philippines, we are introducing this innovation with Abbott to encourage more people to donate blood and save lives. At the Red Cross, we elevate expectations and ensure we’re always ahead of the curve. This breakthrough will be the starting point of more advancements when it comes to intensifying our blood donation campaign,” remarked PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon.
“The PRC remains the leading blood supplier in the country. In 2023, the PRC collected 47% of the country’s total blood collection—a remarkable 538,769 blood units. Of this, 19% came from walk-in donors. To sustain and grow these numbers, the PRC is committed to innovating the donation process through technology. We aim to attract more young donors and ease any anxiety they may feel about giving blood and make people realize that donating blood must be a part of their lives,” added PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang.
“We thank the PRC for this partnership. Abbott continues to innovate to engage, attract, and retain our blood donors worldwide. Our mission is to transform and take blood donation into a new dimension. The PRC is the very first to adopt this technological innovation in blood donation in the Philippines,” said Abbott’s Marketing Manager for Asia Pacific Wendy Wan.
According to Abbott, mixed reality is similar to virtual reality but allows users to see the real world around them as they immerse themselves in a digital world. The experience is meant to help those who may be anxious about giving blood, providing a calming distraction and a fun way to participate. It also allows blood donation professionals to safely conduct the donation and interact with donors at every step of the process.
Additionally, the mixed reality uses Microsoft HoloLens 2 headsets, the world’s first self-contained holographic computer, enabling hands-free interaction with three-dimensional digital objects and a library of applications.
The new mixed reality blood donation experience will soon be available for people to use at select PRC blood centers, blood service facilities, and blood collection stations nationwide.
PASAY CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on October 14 to strengthen the capacity of communities and local government units (LGUs) through community-based disaster risk reduction and management (CBDRRM) training.
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, OCD Usec. Ariel F. Nepomuceno, and Civil Defense Training Institute (CDTI) Director Eugenio Gepte Jr. signed the MOU during the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
The CBDRRM training will use the standard module approved by the OCD, with additional sessions on the Red Cross Movement and RC143 Volunteers Recruitment.
“National disaster risk reduction and management is a vital part of the nomenclature of the law. We must live up to it. With alliances like this, we can strengthen our initiatives to encourage and empower more people to prepare and respond to disasters. If we train and imbue a sense of country in more Filipinos from the national to barangay levels, especially in a time of disaster, we can build cooperation. At the same time, we can nurture preparedness and self-reliance. We’re going to carry our load and help each other,” said Gordon.
He highlighted the PRC’s DRRM programs in disaster preparedness and mitigation, emergency response and operations, blood services and health interventions, as well as shelter and livelihood recovery programs.
“We need partners like the PRC who can do things better than us in community-level assistance. On behalf of the OCD, I would like to thank the Philippine Red Cross for allowing this formal signing of our agreement that will help the OCD in its difficult mission of saving lives,” remarked Nepomuceno.
MANDALUYONG, Philippines— The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) joined the annual celebration of the Global Handwashing Day 2024 with the theme: “Why are clean hands still important?” on October 15.
This global advocacy day is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases that save lives.
PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon underscored the important role the PRC plays in promoting this advocacy especially to the most vulnerable during disasters and emergencies.
“Although we only celebrate it every 15th of October, I must say that every day is Global Handwashing Day at the Red Cross because our response is 24/7. We have a solid Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) office that delivers various humanitarian services like the distribution of clean water, hygiene promotions, hygiene kits, and awareness seminars almost every day for any disaster and emergency reported to us across the country. We have 29 water tankers, 41 water filtration units, and other assets, ” said Gordon.
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang reiterated that “Clean hands remain a fundamental defense against the spread of infections, illnesses, and harmful germs. PRC is committed to creating a safer world for everyone by amplifying this message.”
56-year-old Arlene Grabillo, expressed her gratitude to PRC for supporting her and other evacuees of the recent massive fire incident in Bacoor, Cavite: “Nagpapasalamat kami sa Red Cross, kay Senator Gordon, kay Dr. Gwen, sa malinis na tubig at iba pang tulong na ipinadadala nila dito sa amin. Dahil po sa inyo, kahit nasa evacuation center kami ay napapanatili ang aming kalusugan dahil nalilinis namin ang aming mga kamay at katawan.”
To accelerate awareness at the grassroots level, the PRC National Headquarters encourages its staff and volunteers across PRC’s 102 Chapters nationwide to continue to conduct relevant activities such as hygiene promotions, dialogue sessions on the importance of handwashing in schools and communities, distribution of hygiene kits, and Soap Recycling Workshops, among others.
MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — In a bid to strengthen its local chapters’ assets and enhance operational capacity on the ground, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has turned over new vehicles to the Albay and Camarines Sur chapters to support the implementation of the Bicol Disaster Readiness and Response Project (BDRRP).
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon led the turnover ceremony on October 10 at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong City, alongside PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, American Red Cross (AmCross) Country Representative Mr. Shir Shah Ayobi, PRC Albay-Legazpi Chapter Administrator Rosiedel P. Rivero and PRC Camarines Sur Chapter Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Maria Felisa Badiola.
The BDRRP is a joint project between the PRC and the American Red Cross (AmCross) that encompasses various learning and training activities geared to help communities and schools hone necessary knowledge and skills to prepare and respond to disasters, including first aid and basic life support, enhancing community rapport with local governments’ disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) offices, and establishing community feedback and response mechanisms. It also aims to develop and mobilize the volunteer base in their communities.
Gordon said it is crucial for the local chapters to have the proper transportation tools in order to deliver crucial aid and services in times of crises, and to enhance chapter capacity in disaster response. He highlighted the need for adequate assets in regions like Bicol that are considered high-risk areas.
“We have a mantra in the Red Cross that we take to heart: ‘volunteers + logistics + information technology (IT) = a Red Cross that is always first, always ready, always there.’ We recognize the importance of having the proper tools to be truly ready when disasters strike and to teach others how to survive. More than that, we need volunteers who can be mobilized, who communities can call, and who they can trust when disasters strike. We endeavor always to harmonize our tools and manpower because we are serious about saving lives, alleviating suffering, and uplifting human dignity,” he remarked.
Dr. Pang added that: “These vehicles will not only help our chapters transport basic necessities to people in need, but it will also take us farther in our mission to reach more people and leave no one behind. We hope to expand the project’s areas of coverage to provide aid and assistance to vulnerable communities up to the last mile. Along the way, we also aim to onboard more volunteers from communities and schools who are equipped and ready to join our mission in saving lives.”
The first BDRRP was implemented in 2018 in Catanduanes. From this year until 2026, the project will be implemented by the Albay-Legazpi City and Camarines Sur chapters.
MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) affirms its support and readiness to send aid to Lebanon following deadly airstrikes that have displaced around 1.2 million people in the country.
“We see in the news the devastating impact of the ongoing violence in Lebanon—millions of lives disrupted, families uprooted, countless casualties and injuries, and critical healthcare and welfare services brought to a halt for the most vulnerable. In light of the ongoing situation, news of potential repatriation of Filipinos has surfaced. The PRC, through our welfare services, is prepared to extend critical assistance to returning Filipinos, ensuring they receive much-needed support during this difficult time. Though we are far, we are within reach and ready to assist,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.
PRC reaffirms its commitment to upholding human dignity and alleviating suffering, continuing its mission even beyond the country’s borders.
Gordon also emphasized the shared call of the PRC and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for the enforcement of international humanitarian law (IHL), underscoring the legal protection of civilians, children, medical workers, and humanitarian personnel during times of war or armed conflict.
He noted, “Under IHL, humanitarian teams must be protected, given safe access to provide life-saving aid, and guaranteed safe return. The Red Cross emblems must be respected by all parties to the conflict.”
“We stand in solidarity with our Red Cross counterpart in Lebanon, the Lebanese Red Cross, whose brave teams are fulfilling their humanitarian mission on the ground, risking their own lives to help, protect, and save others,” he added.
MANDALUYONG, Philippines – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) warmly welcomed the twenty-four volunteer delegates from the Korean National Red Cross Gyeonggi Chapter on October 2 to officially kick off the third batch’s five-day visit to the country.
The purpose of the visit, which takes place from October 2 to 6, is to foster international cooperation, enhance global partnership, and promote friendship and mutual understanding between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.
“We might come from different national societies, but we are one under a strong Red Cross Movement. I want to thank the third batch of delegates from the Korean National Red Cross Gyeonggi Chapter for coming to our beloved country. In this day and age where there is divisiveness and turmoil in many parts of the world, this visit is a testament to a strengthened partnership and cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. I hope that many nations, organizations, and citizens draw inspiration from this,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.
“The PRC and the Korean Red Cross have a very strong relationship and partnership. We’re doing many things together, especially during disasters. The Korean Red Cross helped us a lot during our Typhoon Haiyan operations in 2013; it also donated a sea ambulance, a food truck, and helped us in constructing our warehouse in Iloilo. We thank you for the friendship and partnership,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.
During the courtesy visit, the Korean volunteers toured around the PRC National Headquarters, particularly its 24/7 Operations Center and National Blood Center. They were informed and exposed to PRC’s services, assets, and responses.
Together with the PRC Manila Chapter, the delegates will be distributing a total of 600 eco-friendly bags and gift boxes at Mariano Ponce Elementary School in Santa Cruz and Brgy. 234 Zone 22 in Tondo, Manila as part of their outreach efforts. They will also serve K-Food (Korean food) meals for 600 individuals while drinking facilities will also be installed when the need arises.
The first and second batches of delegates from the Korean National Red Cross Gyeonggi Chapter visited the Philippines in March and December last year.
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.
