Philippine Red Cross | Humanitarian Organization in the Philippines

disaster management services philippines

philippine red cross

social welfare services philippines

blood donation philippines

volunteer services philippines

health and services philippines
red cross philippines
  • Home

Category: News and Events

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will launch its first-ever Nationwide First Aid Olympics in line with the celebration of World First Aid Day (WFAD) 2024 on September 14. 

With the theme “First Aid and Sports,” this year’s WFAD aims to showcase the critical role first aid education plays in sports as an industry where injuries and medical emergencies often occur. The event also intends to ensure and promote the safety and well-being of athletes, spectators, and communities in sporting environments worldwide. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon reiterated the importance of first aid training saying “I envision that there will be a first aider in every home, school, and community. Time is of the essence in a medical emergency, and you might just be saved by a family member who is a trained first aider. Or, you never know when you’ll need to revive a loved one who is experiencing cardiac arrest, so it is always better to be prepared than sorry.” 

According to the PRC Safety Services, the First Aid Olympics corresponds to the WFAD’s theme as it bolsters first aid knowledge and skills, particularly in sports-related emergencies. 

The event has three levels: chapter, regional, and national with four categories (Red Cross Youth Senior, Red Cross Youth College, Red Cross 143 Volunteer, and Emergency Response Team (ERT).  Every participating PRC Chapter will hold a chapter-based Olympics. The winners of chapter-based Olympics will advance in the regional contest and the successful contestants will earn their right to represent their respective chapters in the national competition. The participants’ theoretical and practical first-aid knowledge and skills in solving various emergency scenarios will be tested as the competition progresses. 

The recruitment process will kick off on the celebration of WFAD 2024 this September 14 which will last until the 30th. The chapter-level Olympics will begin on October 16 while the regionals will commence on November 9. The much-awaited championship will be held simultaneously on December 5 at four strategic locations yet to be identified. 

“We’re very excited to launch this another meaningful endeavor of the PRC and I hope that all our chapters will join to encourage more people to learn first aid. Besides, we will give away newly procured first aid kits and emergency supplies worth thousands of pesos to our winners. Magagamit nila ito sa pagpapalakas ng kanilang kapasidad na makapagsalba ng mas maraming buhay,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 

The PRC’s First Aid Olympics is a part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s (IFRC) Vision 2030, a framework that provides for the integration of first aid education and practice into all health and care activities of the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies. 

Individuals and teams who are interested in joining the first-ever First Aid Olympics may visit the nearest PRC Chapter to register. 

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is seeking donations to intensify its relief efforts and be able to reach more vulnerable citizens affected by the massive fire incident at Sitio Kanluran, Brgy. Zapote 3, Bacoor City, Cavite on September 10, 2024. 

“The blaze in Cavite left approximately 1,000 families or 4,000 individuals homeless. We cannot be mediocre. Suffering cannot be made to continue. The Philippine Red Cross is fully committed to doing everything in its capacity to assist those affected by the fire in Bacoor, and help them rebuild their lives,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon. 

“Your donations will help reinforce PRC’s capacities to deliver various humanitarian assistance like food, water, first-aid, welfare, and health services to fire-affected communities. It will also strengthen our resources and assets to rescue and respond. Let us all unite to help our people recover from this plight,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang remarked. 

As of 8 a.m. of September 13, the PRC has distributed hot meals to 1,068 individuals in 18 evacuation centers with over 700  families or more than 3,000 individuals around Bacoor. 2,100 collapsible jerry cans (10 liters) are ready for distribution. 

Four welfare desks and eight first aid stations have been set up to accommodate the health and welfare needs of evacuees. A fire truck, a mobile clinic, five food trucks, four ambulance units with 133 patients assisted, two water tankers, and three water bladders have also been deployed. 

Health promotion activities have been conducted for 335 people, medicines and vitamins were given to  157 evacuees, and child-friendly space activities have also been given to 38 children. 

To those who are willing to donate may do so through the PRC’s official bank accounts: 

BDO 

Account name: Philippine Red Cross 

Bank Address: Port Area, Manila 

Savings-PESO Account: 0045 3019 0938 

Savings-DOLLAR Account: 1045 3003 9482 

SWIFT code: BNORPHMM 

BPI 

Account name: Philippine Red Cross 

Bank Address: Blumentritt, Chinese Gen Branch 

Current Account: 0029 6300 7828 

SWIFT code: BOPIPHMM 

Metrobank 

Account Name: Philippine Red Cross

Bank Address: Port Area, Manila

Savings – PESO Account: 151 3 04163122 8

Savings – DOLLAR Account: 151 2 15100218 2

SWIFT code: MBTCPHMM

Security Bank 

Account Name: Philippine Red Cross

Bank Address: EDSA Mandaluyong 

Savings – PESO Account: 0132 0624 6400 3

Savings – DOLLAR Account: 0132 0624 6400 2

SWIFT code: SETCPHMM

AUB

Account Name: Philippine Red Cross

Bank Address: Wack Wack, Mandaluyong 

Savings – PESO Account: 0751 1000 6379

SWIFT code: AUBKPHMM

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is bracing for potential calamities as it closely monitors the southwest monsoon and low pressure areas (LPA) forming outside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), and the continuous volcano-tectonic earthquakes recorded from Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said the Red Cross national headquarters and its Chapters nationwide have been readying their assets and mobilizing RC143 volunteers and staff non-stop amid La Niña. 

“Our Operations Center has been on alert day and night since Super Typhoon Carina (Gaemi) and Tropical Storm Enteng (Yagi). We are monitoring the weather condition, especially habagat, and regularly adjusting our response and relief plans based on assessments of our current operational capacity and previous accomplishments. In the Red Cross, we live by the 4Ps: Predict, Plan, Prepare, Practice, so as soon as an emergency or disaster hits, we’re ready to assist,” he said. 

“This time of the year is always challenging for us due to the heightened threat of storms and typhoons.  We’re ensuring our emergency response teams have enough manpower and equipment, our rescue vehicles and relief trucks and tankers are ready for deployment, and our medical and blood units are well-stocked,” explained PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang. 

As part of preparedness protocols, PRC Chapters nationwide are identifying areas in their jurisdiction where water sources may be disrupted by a storm, and mobilizing volunteers and onboarding medical practitioners who can be deployed to conduct first aid, hygiene promotion, and health services. In the event of a disaster, PRC Chapters nationwide have been instructed to establish first aid stations and welfare desks at ports, airports, hospitals, and other areas where people may be stranded. 

“As for the troubling developments in Negros Oriental due to Mt. Kanlaon, our Chapters and emergency teams on the ground in Negros Island and Bacolod are prepositioning their resources for potential response and relief and coordinating with the local government.  Rest assured, the Red Cross will be there to provide support to all evacuees,” remarked Gordon. 

Many families residing within the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone around Mt. Kanlaon have been pre-emptively evacuated by the local government since September 10 due to increased seismic activity and unprecedented levels of sulfur dioxide degassing of Mt. Kanlaon.

A food truck and water tanker is already on standby in the area to provide food and water to communities in case volcanic activity escalates, as per PRC’s Operations Center. A payloader is also there in case lahar needs to be cleared from the area. 

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the LPA that developed into a tropical depression outside of PAR is headed North of Luzon as of 8 a.m. on September 12, and will likely intensify the downpour of the southwest monsoon in many areas of the country in the coming days. 

Mt. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2 on September 12, since the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded more than 200 volcano-tectonic earthquakes felt in cities in Negros Oriental on September 10.  

###

BACOOR, Cavite — PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon is leading the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in extending all its efforts to assist the communities affected by the fire that damaged hundreds of homes in Sitio Kanluran, Barangay Zapote III in Bacoor, Cavite on September 10.

As of 4 p.m. on September 11, the PRC Cavite Chapter has recorded 509 families or 2,545 individuals affected by the fire, as validated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Bacoor. Out of them, 494 families or 2,470 individuals are currently staying in 16 evacuation centers all over Bacoor.

RC143 volunteers and staff in Cavite immediately provided meals to around 800 evacuees at around 10 p.m. on the night of the blaze. PRC’s Safety units also treated individuals who had lacerations, abrasions, and difficulty breathing.

On September 11, two food trucks, one water tanker, two water bladders, three top stands, three ambulances, and a mobile clinic were deployed to the evacuation centers. These assets came all the way from the national headquarters in Mandaluyong City, and neighboring chapters in Batangas and Laguna.

Hot meals are continuously being served to displaced persons, while health education sessions, health consultations, vitamins distribution, and dissemination of information and educational materials are ongoing in the evacuation centers.

First aid stations and welfare desks have been set up to facilitate health and welfare services, with emergency medical service and disaster management service units on standby. Child-friendly spaces are also being established to accommodate the children belonging to the displaced families.

“We express our heartfelt sympathies to everyone whose lives have been uprooted because of this tragedy. We are exhausting all means to assist families and individuals affected by the fire in Bacoor and we will provide for their basic needs, together with the local government,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added: “Our teams on the ground are set to conduct various activities over the coming days to ensure the evacuees are fed and well taken care of. We are prepared to deploy more of our assets and volunteers if necessary and for augmentation.”

The PRC is also calling for donations to help those affected by the fire:

BDO
Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Bank Address: Port Area, Manila
Savings – PESO Account: 0045 3019 0938
Savings – DOLLAR Account: 1045 3003 9482
Swiftcode: BNORPHMM

BPI
Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Bank Address: Blumentritt, Chinese Gen Branch
Current Account: 0029 6300 7828
Swiftcode: BOPIPHMM

 The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) received a monetary donation worth P76,225 from Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) on September 9, to aid in its relief and recovery operations for Super Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi), which struck the country in July. 

MFA is a regional network of non-government organizations, associations, and trade unions of migrant workers, as well as individual migrant rights advocates in Asia. Formed in the “Living and Working Together with Migrants in Asia” forum held in Taiwan in 1994 and represented in 27 countries in the Asia Pacific, the group campaigns for the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of migrant workers. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon extended his gratitude to MFA for generously donating to the Red Cross. “The MFA has been a supportive partner of ours in the past as we share a common advocacy for human rights. We are thankful that they reached out to help Filipino communities recover from the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina. Rest assured, the donation will enable us to further fulfill our mandate of upholding human dignity and saving lives.”

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen added, “Our sincerest thanks to our friends in the MFA, whose support and belief in the Red Cross and our programs to assist Filipinos in need is invaluable. We look forward to collaborating with the MFA on their future projects and campaigns.”  

Receiving the donation on behalf of Gordon and Pang at the PRC National Headquarters (NHQ) in Mandaluyong City was Mr. Leo Ebajo, manager of the PRC NHQ’s emergency response unit (ERU). 

MFA Program Coordinator Ms. Ma. Lorena Macabuag said this is the first time the organization has directly donated financially to the PRC. She cited the PRC’s track record of accomplishments in response, rescue, and relief during disasters that prompted the group’s members to channel the donation to the PRC. 

Previously, PRC has supported MFA’s campaigns on decent work for domestic workers, including a membership in the organizing committee of their recent forum on migration. The MFA has also partnered with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on migration projects. 

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) immediately reached out to individuals and families severely hit during the onslaught of Typhoon Enteng (international name: Yagi) that according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) had affected 500,000 people in the country. 

As stated by the PRC Welfare Services, the office in charge of implementing the program in disaster-hit communities, the primary objectives of the PRC’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) are to protect the psychosocial well-being of distressed citizens by addressing their concerns through provision of psychological first aid, to prepare communities and humanitarian workers to cope and manage stress during challenging circumstances, and to provide support and care activities before, during, and after a crisis. 

Under this program, PRC is implementing Psychological First Aid (PFA) for adults and Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) for children—both are created to offer coping mechanisms that help ease the emotional distress of affected groups especially those who have lost their loved ones or something valuable like shelter after a catastrophe. 

In the province of Rizal with the highest recorded death count, the PRC provided psychological first aid to landslide survivors in Sitio Hinapao, Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo. Aside from this, food packs (10 kilos of rice and 25 pcs of noodles) and sleeping kits were also distributed to vulnerable families. 

Meanwhile, in Camarines Norte with one casualty, 18 missing individuals, and 75 damaged shelters, the PRC provided psychological first aid to residents in the municipalities of Mercedes and Panganiban. 

“The aftermath of a disaster is always the hardest to endure. To our kababayans, I just want to let you all know that the Red Cross is with you in these trying times; we grieve with you. Hindi kayo nag-iisa at gagawin namin ang aming makakaya para tulungan kayong bumangon at magsimulang muli,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said. 

In addition, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang believes that “Mental health is as important as physical health. Apart from the basic needs that the PRC gives during disasters and emergencies, it also offers emotional support. This program is crucial to the welfare and recovery of the vulnerable sectors PRC serves.” 

From 2012 to 2023, the PRC’s MHPSS benefitted 461,207 disadvantaged populations.  

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has provided health and hygiene services to more than 4,800 individuals affected by Tropical Storm Enteng (internationally known as “Yagi”) from September 2 to 6. 

As of 12 noon on September 6, the PRC’s Health units have conducted health promotion and awareness sessions on common diseases during the rainy season like dengue and leptospirosis for 1,716 evacuees in Marikina, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Bulacan, Laguna, and La Union. 

Around 670 individuals in Quezon City, Manila, and Valenzuela received medicines, vitamins, and doxycycline (anti-leptospirosis medication). 56 people in Bataan and La Union were also given hygiene kits, while 244 people in Bulacan, La Union, and Nueva Ecija received information and education materials distributed by RC143 volunteers and staff. 

Meanwhile, 2,176 evacuees in Marikina, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Valenzuela, Laguna, and Pangasinan participated in hygiene promotion activities led by PRC’s wash, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) teams. Children were taught proper hand washing with soap, and other sanitation practices. 

“Health is a top priority for the Red Cross. In times of calamities, it’s not enough simply to survive, but to stay alive. Since disaster-stricken areas harbor many diseases, we aim to inform families and communities about how to identify health risks and treat these illnesses. We ask the public to always be mindful of their surroundings, and continue to be on alert,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon. 

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang emphasized that the PRC’s health and hygiene promotion campaigns go hand-in-hand. “Teaching children the proper way to wash their hands is a vital way of ensuring cleanliness and preventing sickness. Our volunteers and staff are assisting people to develop proper sanitation habits when they return to their homes.” 

As of 1 p.m. on September 6, the PRC has mobilized five food trucks, served hot meals to 9,671 individuals, and distributed food items (bread/donuts) to 7,363 people in evacuation centers in Metro Manila, and provinces in Regions I, III, IV-A, and VIII. 

Volunteers and staff have given psychological first aid to 321 individuals in need of psychosocial support. 416 children have participated in child-friendly space activities in the evacuation centers, while welfare desks have been established in 47 areas, and 37 first aid stations have been set up. 

More than 600 volunteers, consisting of over 560 RC143 and over 70 Red Cross Youth, have been mobilized for the PRC’s rescue and relief operations for Tropical Storm Enteng. 

 

STA. ANA, MANILA- To celebrate the Radio Mindanao Network Foundation’s (RMNF) 12th anniversary, RMNF partnered with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for the first-ever “Serbisyo Caravan” for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) affected by the typhoons Carina and Enteng at Brgy. 892 Zone 99, District VI Sta. Ana, Manila on September 5, 2024. 

The PRC deployed 21 medical personnel and volunteers from its Manila Chapter, providing a range of humanitarian services including free medical consultations, basic first aid and life support training, talks on monkeypox and leptospirosis, and distribution of medicines and vitamins for both children and adults.

Meanwhile, RMNF and other partners offered hot meals, food packs, free haircuts, dental care, and massage services to the attendees.  

“RMN Networks has been our ally for many years and I am very proud to say that our partnership with them remains firm. I believe the reason is that the PRC and RMN uphold the same values, principles, and mission to serve humanity. Happy Anniversary RMN Foundation and wishing the Canoys and your dynamic organization more success as you continue to inspire many more lives,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said. 

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang shared that “RMN has been a reliable comrade of PRC in its blood donation campaign. In 2023, it collected 691 blood units through the Dugtong-Buhay bloodletting activities which greatly contributed to PRC’s goal to ensure sufficient blood supply.”

“We actually received word from this barangay three times asking for help due to recent typhoons. Nagpapasalamat ang RMN Foundation sa suporta ng Philippine Red Cross not only by providing informative talks but also by giving medical services to our beneficiaries who came today.  With the help of PRC, siguradong nakararating ang aming serbisyo sa buong Pilipinas. Literal na umulan ng biyaya ngayong araw,” RMN Networks Vice President for Operations and Head of the Corporate Communications Enrique Canoy added. 

The Serbisyo Caravan served 100 vulnerable individuals. The RMNF plans to expand the program to reach more people in need. 

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is calling for donations to help the people affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon (or “habagat”) and Tropical Storm Enteng (internationally known as “Yagi”).

“Just a month after Super Typhoon Carina, another storm has hit us, with the southwest monsoon and Tropical Storm Enteng causing massive flooding and landslides. This has not only disrupted the day-to-day lives of many communities, but has also claimed lives. We are appealing to all to donate any amount you can so that we can enhance our relief efforts for everyone affected,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang remarked: “Your donations will help reinforce our organization’s capacities to give food, water, and other basic necessities to affected communities; strengthen our resources and assets for rescue and response; as well as provide health services as they recover from the disaster. We ask everyone to unite with us in this effort.”

Locals or those residing in the Philippines who are willing to donate may do so through the PRC’s official bank accounts in BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Security Bank, and Asia United Bank (AUB).

Meanwhile, foreigners or those residing outside the country can donate through this link: https://donate.redcrossredcrescent.org/ph/PRCEmergencyAppeal/~my-donation

As of 1 p.m. on September 3, the PRC has distributed hot meals (arroz caldo, etc.) to 1,314 individuals in evacuation centers in Masbate, Marikina, Valenzuela, Pasig, Northern Samar, and Quezon City. Donuts from PRC’s partner Dunkin’ Donuts have also been distributed to 1,383 evacuees in Marikina.

Seven welfare desks and seven first aid stations – each in Negros Occidental, Sorsogon, Cavite, Marikina, Valenzuela, and Pasig – have also been set up to accommodate the health and welfare needs of individuals.

Psychological first aid has been given to 255 persons in Marikina, while health promotion activities have been conducted for 296 people in Valenzuela. Four ambulances have also been mobilized in Negros Occidental, Sorsogon, Cavite, and Muntinlupa.

As of 2 p.m. on September 3, over 140 evacuation centers remain open, housing 7,055 families or 30,235 individuals in Cebu, Cavite, Rizal, Camarines Norte, and Metro Manila.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is ramping up its rescue and relief operations to aid individuals affected by flooding in various areas in Luzon and Visayas due to heavy rains from the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storm Enteng (international name: Yagi). 

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon has instructed the national headquarters and its Chapters to mobilize its RC143 volunteers and staff to implement its preparedness measures, deploy its prepositioned equipment and vehicles, and ensure chapters operate in optimal capacity. 

“We have been preparing our assets for intensified rains even prior to the entry of tropical storm Enteng. Our rescue boats, amphibians, ambulances, and water tankers have been deployed, with our trucks and payloaders on standby. Our dedicated staff and volunteers in Mandaluyong and in our chapters are promptly responding to calls for rescue in flooded areas. Our Welfare teams are also readying our food trucks to serve hot meals in evacuation centers,” said Gordon. 

The PRC has so far assisted and rescued 40 individuals in Camarines Sur (Naga City), 47 in Cavite, and 13  in Albay with the help of the local governments. A 6×6 RLW truck has been sent out to Marikina from the PRC headquarters to aid in operations. A humvee is also on its way to San Isidro, Rizal to augment the Rizal Chapter’s current capacity. 

As of 3 p.m. on September 2, PRC units are assisting 4,534 families or 19,812 individuals in 72 evacuation centers (EC) in gravely hit areas in Metro Manila (Muntinlupa, Marikina, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Navotas, Taguig, Malabon, Pasig and Paranaque), Rizal and Cavite. Welfare teams have served 35 hot meals to stranded passengers at the Masbate City port. 

“We laud our volunteers and staff, especially those who are braving the flood waters to rescue citizens, and those preparing hearty meals for displaced people in evacuation centers. We are on alert 24/7, but we are particularly monitoring the water dam levels, because if it rises, especially alongside the high tide, flooding will worsen,” Gordon added. 

The PRC also continues to be on the lookout for growth in dengue and leptospirosis cases, with the Health and Blood services securing enough anti-leptospirosis medication (Doxycycline) for the chapters, and ensuring blood supplies are adequate. 

“We have seen an influx in dengue and leptospirosis in recent weeks, in part because of persistent rains. We expect an increase in the risk of leptospirosis transmission due to the floods. We strongly advise the public to avoid wading in flood waters, and contact their nearest health centers as soon as symptoms are felt,” said PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang. 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast continuous heavy to intense rains until September 4 in many parts of Northern and Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol Region. 

Waist- to chest-deep floods were reported in Las Pinas City and Rizal province, while ankle- to knee-deep flooding were seen in Naga City, Legazpi, Albay, Masbate, Paranaque, Malabon, Bulacan, Quezon City, Cavite, Marikina, Navotas, and Caloocan. Malacanang has also suspended all government work and classes in all levels of public and private schools in Metro Manila.

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.

Address: 37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550
Emergency Hotline: 143
Trunkline +63 2 8790 2300
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Follow Us

Check out our Apps

Copyright 2024 Philippine Red Cross