Philippine Red Cross

World Red Cross Day: PRC salutes volunteers, partners’ love for humanity

Written on May 9, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The volunteers and staff of the Philippine Red Cross are celebrating the humanitarian organization’s unique relationship with communities across the Philippines, the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.

Sen. Richard Gordon, PRC Chairman and CEO, said the volunteers and staff are hard at work every day to address the needs of people hit by disasters and emergencies.

“To our kababayans, let us all thank the unsung heroes of our country—the Red Cross volunteers—and work hand in hand with them to help build resilience in most vulnerable communities. Today, we celebrate the difference they make. Responding to catastrophes of all kinds, changing the lives of the people they serve and helping people to live safely and with dignity,” Gordon said.

This year’s World RCRC Day carries the theme “Love”—honoring the bravery and achievements of volunteers and staff, whose life-saving and life-changing services ensure that we keep our commitment to humanity every day.

The 156th World RCRC Day coincides with the extended celebration 72nd anniversary of the PRC with the theme, “Resilience,” which recognizes staff and volunteers’ commitment to help people to prepare for, cope with, and recover from a disaster or crisis.

PRC extends humanitarian services to millions of Filipinos every year with a diverse range of services tailored to the needs of communities across the Philippines. PRC’s major services are Disaster Management, Blood, Safety, Welfare, Health, and Red Cross Youth.

“Whether natural or human-made disasters, armed conflict or health and social care issues, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff are there to help, without any discrimination,” Gordon said.

PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla said: “The Red Cross has been serving the people of the Philippines even before it was formally established in 1947. “We are everywhere for everyone. This is our commitment to you and our commitment to humanity.”

PRC as partner of choice

The joint celebration of the PRC anniversary and the World RCRC Day also honors partners who supported the organization’s programs and operations.

The Aurora Aragon Quezon Award will once again be bestowed to five volunteer partners who showed exceptional dedication to the causes of PRC. The awardees are:

• Former President Fidel Ramos – For actively promoting voluntary blood donation during and after his presidency

• Dr. James Dy, President of Chinese General Hospital – For supporting the PRC’s programs, including his recent donation of beds and mattresses to be used in measles care units

• Michael Chen, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Minavida de Mindanao Corporation – For providing free aircraft services, which contributed to PRC’s effort to deliver timely services in disaster-stricken services

• Vicente Cuevas – For providing free aircraft services on several occasions, such as for PRC’s operations in Ompong-hit communities

• Clement Yang – For providing fast and effective assistance, especially for PRC’s Haiyan operations and Measles crisis response

A posthumous award is also awarded to businessman Dominic Sytin, who donated a firetruck, a water tanker, and an ambulance, which are now being used to address the needs in local communities.

PRC as a donor National Society

The Philippine Red Cross helps all nations, equally showing and giving love around the world. Following the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, PRC sent emergency response personnel and medical doctors and nurses to assist Nepal Red Cross’ operations.

As a donor society, PRC has sent more than US $2.5 million in donations to some of the biggest calamities:

2005

• US $25,000 – Hurricane Katrina

2006

• US $10,000 – Earthquake, Pakistan

• US $85,000 – Indonesia, two years after it was struck by Tsunami

2008

• US $20,000 – Earthquake, Sichuan, China

• US $15,000 – Cyclone Nargis, Myanmar

2011

• US $2.4 million – Aid to Japan after a powerful Tsunami

2014

• US $25,000 – Armed conflict, Gaza

2015

• US $37,000 – Nepal Earthquake

About the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are as diverse as the life-saving and life-changing services they provide through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: 190 National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

In 2019, National Societies around the world celebrate 100 years of the IFRC, which was founded by the Red Cross societies of France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and the United States of America. IFRC – originally known as the League of Red Cross Societies, was created to preserve, share and promote the expertise and knowledge gained during humanitarian responses to the First World War and the Spanish Flu epidemic. A century later, the IFRC network has 190 National Societies with even more in the future.

PRC salutes blood donation partners anew

Written on May 2, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

PRC has been known for its commitment to save lives—and one of the ways to save life is to provide blood to someone who needs it. Holding a bloodletting event is a great way to collect blood.

Thus, this April, which is a lean month for blood donations, the Philippine Red Cross held various bloodletting activities in cooperation with Dunkin Donuts, Radio Mindanao Network Foundation and Energy FM 106.7. A total of 213 units of blood were collected from different donors.

“I am very thankful to our blood partners and donors for their continuous support for our blood programs. Through their help, we can keep up with the increasing demand for blood. Blood is essential to life,” said PRC Chairman Richard Gordon.

PRC blood collection is a meticulous process from education and recruitment of donors, actual collection, blood testing, preparing blood products and quality assurance. This ensures that available blood is safe for transfusion.

“A blood donation by one person can save up to four lives,” said PRC National Blood Services Director Dr. Christie Monina M. Nalupta during her interview with RMN-DZXL 558.

Qualified blood donors receive a donor’s card, refreshments, small tokens and a heartfelt thank you.

The Philippine Red Cross has 89 blood service facilities all over the country. Through PRC, blood is within everybody’s reach—from Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao.

For blood donations and other blood concerns, dial 143 or 790-23-00.

Red Cross assists Chuzon employees, Aeta community

Written on April 26, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to assist communities affected by the magnitude 6.1 earthquake in Porac, Pampanga, including the displaced indigenous people and the survivors of the Chuzon supermarket collapse.

PRC, led by Chairman Richard Gordon, partnered with the Department of Health to provide psychosocial support to the survivors, mostly employees of Chuzon, and bereaved families of the strong earthquake.

“It is important that we work together in this time of need. The Red Cross is supporting government efforts to alleviate the suffering of people who lost their friends and families and the population who were forced to flee their homes regardless of their race,” Gordon said.

PRC’s welfare teams have conducted psychosocial support to 20 employees of Chuzon supermarket and 12 survivors currently admitted at Julio B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital in San Fernando.

A group of volunteers, headed by Deputy Secretary General Dr. Susan Mercado, also reached out to the displaced Aeta community in Porac last April 24 by providing welfare services to 55 families (207 individuals).

“The Aetas refuse to stay in any type of concrete evacuation center as they are traumatized by the shaking. There are also those with pre-existing mental health issues who are further triggered into depression and anxiety,” Mercado said in a Facebook post.

Today, the Red Cross is at Sitio Pasubul, Brgy. Camias in Porac to distribute hygiene kits to 60 indigenous families to protect them from infections and diseases. Red Cross also provides psychosocial support to indigenous people.

“We focus on the immediate needs of the most vulnerable and we will continue to provide services with the support of our volunteers and donors,” Gordon said.

PRC local chapter earlier provided hot meals to 450 individuals at the Aeta Market evacuation center.

Red Cross joins search and rescue in Porac; appeals to take earthquake drills seriously

Written on April 23, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) deployed manpower and rescue vehicles to assist in the search and rescue operations in a collapsed supermarket in Porac, Pampanga following the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that hit parts of Luzon on Monday.

Data from the PRC Operations Center shows that as of 7am, 24 individuals are still missing while 69 suffered injuries. PRC mobilized 30 manpower equipped with two ambulance units, two rescue vehicles, a generator set, and a tower light.

PRC also provided body bags to facilitate proper management of bodies retrieved in the incident site.

“We are all together. Red Cross continues the search and rescue operations for the missing individuals at Chuzon Supermarket. We deployed our assets from nearby chapters to provide additional manpower in affected areas. No one shall be left behind,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said.

Gordon also urged business owners to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the crowd.

“Be mindful of the safety of the people in your establishments. Business owners should inspect and double check the safety of their establishments to avoid putting people in dangerous situations,” he added.

Red Cross also advises the public to take earthquake drills seriously to prevent major casualties and take note of the following measures before, during, and after an earthquake.

Before checklist

• Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances with wall studs.
• Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture with wall studs.
• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
• Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.

During – if indoors

• Drop, cover and hold on. Move as little as possible and watch for falling objects.
• It is most important to keep your head and torso covered. If you’re sitting at a desk or table, get under it. Otherwise drop wherever you are.
• If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on, protecting your head with a pillow.
• Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. If you must go outside after the shaking stops, use stairs rather than an elevator in case of aftershocks, power outages or other damages.
• Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire.

During – if you are outside

Find a clear spot and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights).

During – if you are in a vehicle

• Pull over to a clear location and stop.
• Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible.
• Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
• Then, drive carefully avoiding bridges and ramps that might have been damaged.
• If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.
• If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes and cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris.
• Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes.

After

• If away from home, return only when authorities say it’s safe to do so.
• Be prepared for aftershocks. If you feel one, drop cover and hold on.
• Aftershocks frequently occur minutes, days, weeks and even months following an earthquake.
• Open cabinets slowly. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
• Stay away from damaged areas in and around your home.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.
• Check for gas leaks to prevent fires and secondary damage. Spray the fittings on your gas meter and any fittings on gas appliances with a mixture of water and a little liquid dish soap. If it bubbles, there is gas present.
• Use extreme caution and examine walls, floors, doors, staircases and windows to check for damage.

Red Cross assists over 9,000 in annual Holy Week ops

Written on April 23, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

A total of 9,065 patients were served during the Holy Week operations of Philippine Red Cross, including individuals involved in road crashes and drowning incidents.

Most of the patients (8,289) had their blood pressure monitored due to extreme heat, while 42 patients who suffered from fainting, severe body pain, difficulty of breathing, and head trauma were transported for further medical attention.

There were also eight major cases recorded such as seizure, loss of consciousness and fracture, while 493 patients sustained wounds, others suffered from sprain, muscle cramps, dizziness and vomiting.

PRC’s welfare desks also catered to 233 individuals, including those assisted through psychosocial support and who sought help to trace their families.

PRC deployed a total of 2,000 staff and 150 ambulances nationwide from April 14 to 22.

“Salute to our untiring staff and volunteers who assisted to our countrymen during the holy week. Selfless act indeed, when you think of others first before yourself. Serving the people and uplifting them during catastrophes has been a regular endeavor for Philippine Red Cross,” Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman of PRC, said.

In Kalinga, PRC staff and volunteers responded to a road crash incident in Binongsay Road, Bry. Malin-awa, Tabuk City, where an elf truck fell off a cliff after losing its brakes. The incident resulted in eight deaths and injured 16 people. PRC provided hot meals and hygiene kits to the nine patients currently admitted.

Meanwhile, in Calatagan, Batangas, PRC transported a 12-year-old boy to Batangas Medicare Hospital due to drowning.

PRC also showed readiness in responding to fire when it immediately mobilized its fire trucks and ambulance vehicles to two fire incidents that both reached 4th alarm in Quezon City and Laguna in April 20.

Aside from the fire trucks and ambulance, the PRC also deployed four first aiders in the fire in Capoas, Masambong in Quezon City where it gutted several houses.

The fire in Laguna destroyed a paper mill in the town of Cabuyao. There were no reported casualties in the said fire incidents.

The number of patients assisted this year is higher compared to last year’s 8,844 individuals.

PRC Holy Week Operations
Summary of assistance

Total Patients Catered (2019): 9,065 (Apr 14-Apr 22) Total Patients Catered (2018): 8,844 (Mar 26-Apr 2)

Breakdown as follows:
Blood pressure monitoring – 8,289
Transported – 42 (fainting, severe body pain, breathing difficulties, head trauma)
Major – 8 (seizure, loss of consciousness, fracture)
Minor – 493 (wound, sprain, muscle crumps, jellyfish sting, dizziness, vomiting)
Welfare- 233 (Psychosocial support – 179, tracing – 4, referral – 50)

Regionalization, capacity enhancement mark Red Cross’ 72nd year

Written on April 15, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is on track to deliver scaled up and more accessible services as the humanitarian organization boosts its response capacity in local communities.

Now on its 72nd year, PRC puts more emphasis on its regionalization approach, where the organization’s assets will be strategically positioned in different provinces to conduct faster response in times of disasters and emergencies.

PRC has identified 12 regional hubs namely La Union, Nueva Vizcaya, Subic, Batangas, Naga, Albay, Leyte, Passi City, Zamboanga City, Davao del Sur, Iligan, and Surigao del Norte.

Sen. Richard Gordon, the chairman of PRC, said the regionalization effort mirrors PRC’s commitment to live up to its mantra—“Always First, Always Ready, and Always There.”

“The humanitarian challenges that our country faces are getting more challenging. Typhoons are getting stronger and the emergencies are getting more rampant. There is a strong call to step up humanitarian aid. We have to make sure that we continue to hone our capabilities,” Gordon said.

Among the disaster and emergency response assets that will be strategically deployed in the regional hubs are ambulances, water tankers, rescue equipment and other assets that aim to bring PRC services closer to local communities. This includes welfare desks and health stations.

“Ultimately, regionalization efforts will help the country in terms of molding every barangay into resilient communities. When you have these capacities, you have the power to predict, plan, prepare, and practice,” Gordon said.

The 72nd anniversary of the PRC highlights the theme “#Resilience: Humanitarian responders over the years,” which celebrates over seven decades of empowering communities to rise up from the impact of calamities.

Aside from community resilience, the theme also recognizes Red Cross volunteers, staff, partners, and donors who have served as the backbone of PRC since it was founded in 1947.

‘Red Cross shines’
PRC history started as early as 1899 upon the suggestion of one of the country’s national heroes, Apolinario Mabini, under the leadership of Mrs. Hilaria Del Rosario Aguinaldo, wife of then president Emilio Aguinaldo. The organization applied with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland to be recognized as an independent society. It was finally constituted on April 15, 1947 at the Malacanan Palace grounds in an impressive ceremony and Mrs. Aurora Aragon Quezon was the very first chairman of Philippine Red Cross.

To date, PRC has cemented its role as the foremost humanitarian organization in the country—offering services in the fields of disaster management, safety, health, welfare, blood, Red Cross Youth, and volunteer.

PRC, guided by its formula “Volunteers + Logistics + Information Technology,” has innovated to become a formidable Red Cross Society—with a pool of 2 million volunteers, 104 chapters, 150 ambulances, its own humanitarian ship, and hundreds of response and rescue equipment.

It has received praises from national and international communities for its fast response to humanitarian concerns, such as the recent measles outbreak, water crisis, as well as typhoons Ompong (Mangkhut) and tropical depression Usman.

During the 10^th Asia Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in November 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte lauded PRC, led by Gordon, for its active role in humanitarian efforts, disaster reduction, and relief.

“This is where the Red Cross shines. Always first and always there to help the people affected by the situation and always ready to do what is needed—to stay until the work is done and people regain their stability; a true example of community engagement for the common good,” Duterte said in his address.

“This would not be possible without the support of our volunteers, our partners from the Red Cross and Red Crescent community—the IFRC, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and partner National Societies, as well as our corporate sponsors,” Gordon said.

Philippine Red Cross: Leg up this Holy Week 2019

Written on April 12, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross is all set for #SemanaSanta2019 deploying 2000 staff and volunteers and 150 ambulances nationwide to provide first aid assistance and to respond to any emergency cases that may arise.

“We put up our welfare desks in different strategic places to accommodate the travelers’ inquiries and concerns. These desks will be in operation for the entire holy week. Our goal is to make sure our countrymen are safe”, said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

PRC Chapters all over the country are on full alert. Various services offered are first aid, tracing assistance for people with missing companions or relatives, referral assistance and psychosocial support.

First aid stations, welfare desks, emergency vehicles and ambulances are positioned in 34 bus terminals, 42 major highways, 54 churches, 13 beach areas and 9 sea ports. There are also stations in parks, pilgrimage areas and other destinations.

In 2018, PRC helped a total of 8,844 people nationwide. PRC staff and volunteers were on duty to serve everyone who needed help.

For a peaceful voyage, these are the driving tips to ponder:

PRC’s 10 Road Safety Commitments:

I commit to:

1. Use a seatbelt / Child Car Seats

2. Wear a helmet on a motorcycle

3. Drive at a safe speed and distance suitable for the condition

4. Not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs

5. Not use a mobile phone when driving

6. Be visible as a pedestrian or cyclist

7. Know and respect the highway codes

8. Maintain my vehicle in a good condition

9. Be licensed and trained for the vehicle drive

10. Know how to react in case of a crash

For emergency and any untoward incidents, contact our 24/7 Operations Center. Dial 143 or 790-23-00 for assistance.

Red Cross joins partnership to boost healthcare for elderly cancer patients

Written on April 10, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to expand its healthcare program as it partnered with three organizations to strengthen services for cancer-stricken elderly patients through intensive training. PRC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Society for Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), the Philippine Cancer Society and the Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine (PCGM) to work on delivering an Advanced Training Course on Geriatric Oncology for clinicians in the Philippines. “This partnership is important for PRC, but it is important for the elderly battling cancer. By doing this, we will be able to educate people on how to provide quality care for the cancer-stricken geriatric population,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said during the ceremonial signing last March 28. Under the partnership, the four-team partnership will marry geriatrics and oncology to organize a series of courses highlighting the relevance of age and differing biology, the impact of physiological reserve on treatment options, and the selection of best treatments for the specific needs of patients. Present during the signing ceremony were Gordon, PRC Deputy Secretary General Dr. Susan Mercado, Philippine Cancer Society Executive Director Dr. Rachael Marie Rosario, SIOG Board Member and Past President Dr. Etienne Brain and PCGM Dr. Edwin Fortuno.

PRC warns against common summer diseases

Written on April 10, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) urges the public to be more cautious this summer season to reduce the risk of acquiring illnesses, which may lead to serious health concerns. PRC, led by Chairman Richard Gordon, said every Filipino family should take positive action to prevent heat-induced health problems within their immediate circle. “The recent rise in the measles cases in the country has shown how complacency can result in bigger health concerns. We love our families so we have to practice prevention. Prevention is always better than cure,” Gordon said. Extreme heat can result in water, food, vector and air-borne diseases, such as diarrhea, dengue, measles, influenza, sore-eyes, rabies, hypertension and blood pressure, chicken pox, food poisoning, heat stroke, sunburn and prickly heat rash. The following are PRC-issued tips to have a problem-free summer:

Stay hydrated. Replenish. Drink water only from safe sources. If unsure, boil water.
Eat only well-cooked food.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Observe proper food practices.
Eat fruits, vegetables and other nutritious foods.
Avoid direct contact with an infected person.
Apply sunscreen creams and lotion with SPF 30 or greater for skin protection.
Use wide-brimmed hats and umbrella.
Wear light-colored cotton clothing.
Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Do not blow your nose hard.
Use mosquito-repellant lotion.
Maintain proper hygiene.
As much as possible, limit sun exposure. If needed, do outdoor activities in the morning or late in the afternoon when it’s cooler.

PRC advises the people to take precautionary measures during these months of vacation, travel and leisure for them to maximize the fun and bonding with their families and friends. For emergency and any untoward incidents, contact our 24/7 Operations Center. Dial 143 or 790-23-00 for assistance.

Red Cross appeals for support as more requests for water supply draw in

Written on March 26, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

WHILE the water crisis in Metro Manila has abated, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to receive requests to augment water supply, especially in communities affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon expressed concern over the health and economic issues that may rise due to lack of access to clean and safe water in provinces experiencing dry spell, including Catanduanes, Cebu, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sarangani, and Pangasinan.

“It is no joke not to have water. We saw it in the water crisis in Manila, where people become vulnerable to diseases. The worst may happen in provinces as livelihood opportunities are interrupted by the phenomenon,” Gordon said.

In a letter addressed to Gordon dated March 21, Virac, Catanduanes Mayor Samuel Laynes requested PRC’s support in providing water tankers, water bladders, filtration systems, and technical personnel to address the water shortage in the area.

“Local water utilities are unable to cope with water demand for household use, sanitation, and safe drinking water,” the letter reads.

Lanao Del Sur Vice Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong, Jr. also requested the use of PRC’s water tankers stationed at the Lanao del Sur-Marawi Chapter.

Data from the PAGASA show that Lanao Del Sur and Catanduanes are among the 72 provinces that will likely experience dry condition, dry spell, and drought at the end of March.

In Metro Manila, PRC continues to provide safe and clean water to communities affected by the water crisis in Metro Manila.

Since March 12, PRC has distributed 1,217,475 liters of water in hospitals and communities. The number of water tankers deployed has also doubled from six to 12.

Summary of assistance on Manila Water Crisis

Hospitals

Rizal Medical Center – 560,000L

Quirino Memorial Medical Center – 126,000 L

National Kidney Center – 90,000 L

East Ave Medical Center – 76,000 L

Mandaluyong City Medical Center – 70,000 L

Nat’l Center for Mental Health – 30,000L

Establishment

Phil. Health Office – 12,000L

Communities

Mandaluyong (Brgy. Highway Hills, Brgy. Addition Hills) – 96,000L

Quezon City (Brgy. Old Balara, Hura Homes, Forest Tree Extension, Brgy. Culiat, Brgy. Damayang Lagi) – 89,975L

Marikina (Brgy Tumana, Brgy. Nangka, Brgy Concepcion) – 70,500L

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