Philippine Red Cross

RED CROSS REPATRIATES 4TH OFW THIS YEAR UNDER LAST MILE INITIATIVE PROGRAM

Written on September 2, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Singapore Red Cross (SRC) sent home the fourth Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Singapore for this year this September 1, 2024.

46-year-old Alias “Cherry” was diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage and aneurysm. She’s the fourth domestic helper who was sent home under the Last Mile Initiative Program of the PRC and SRC which aims to support distressed migrant workers who are struggling to return to their families in the Philippines due to their medical conditions.

The other three repatriated OFWs this year were Aliases “Victoria” on January 27 and “Angelou” and “Gracia” both sent home last August 28. The program was able to send home seven (7) OFWs since its inception in 2020.

“They (OFWs) decided to work overseas because of their love for their families. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. It is important for us at the Red Cross to help them reunite with their families, especially now that we have just entered “Ber” months and Christmas is fast approaching. Huwag silang masyadong mag-alala at malungkot dahil nandito kami para tulungan silang makabangon muli,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon.

The SRC staff and medical team accompanied the patient from Changi Airport to the Philippines. Meanwhile, the PRC provided wheelchairs and ambulance services for “Cherry” and assisted her back in Pangasinan. According to the PRC, it will continue to monitor the patient’s health condition and possibly provide livelihood support for her welfare and recovery.

“We have already sent home seven distressed OFWs and will continue to help and reach more. This meaningful endeavor would not be possible without the combined passion and hard work of the PRC and SRC teams as well as the continued support of the Clark International Airport, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Department of Tourism (DOT). Masaya kami na makatulong sa ating mga kababayan pauwi sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

For questions and inquiries on the Last Mile Initiative program, contact the PRC Welfare Services at 09175974702 or visit the Philippine Red Cross official page.

RED CROSS, NAVOTAS LGU INK MOA ON GREEN AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY PROJECT

Written on August 31, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

NAVOTAS CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Spanish Red Cross (SRC), and the local government of Navotas inked a memorandum of agreement on the project entitled: “Promotion of Green and Circular Economy Through Civil Society Engagement and Good Governance in Highly Urbanized Coastal Cities in the Philippines” on August 30, 2024.

According to the agreement, the Navotas LGU will be a key partner of PRC and SRC for the implementation of the project in its four barangays: NBBS Kaunlaran, NBBS Dagat-dagatan, NBBS Proper, and North Bay Boulevard North.

Funded by the European Union and Eibarko Udala, the project which was launched in December 2022 aims to reduce waste and provide livelihood by promoting sustainable development and a circular economy in three coastal cities in the country: Zamboanga City (six barangays), Manila City (one barangay), and Navotas City (four barangays). The project will expand to cover more areas as it targets 200,000 beneficiaries by 2025.

Moreover, the project emphasizes reducing the use of single-use plastics, reusing materials, and fostering behavioral change to create a system where nothing ends up in landfills. By promoting a circular economy, it seeks to build stronger, more resilient communities while addressing the environmental challenges of waste and pollution.

The project has two components: first, enhancing Solid Waste Management (SWM) that can be achieved by providing LGUs and citizens, especially garbage collectors the proper technical training on SWM. Secondly, providing livelihood which can be attained through organizing community savings groups (CSGs) which not only support their financial needs but also promote social cohesion.

“We aim to achieve a cleaner, more sustainable, and progressive Navotas City. This program can also be a model program that can be replicated by other cities in the country. We also aim to be effective in waste management, providing livelihood, and promoting a circular economy. Through this project, we are not only protecting the environment and promoting sustainability, we also build stronger and more resilient communities for generations to come,” said PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang.

Spanish Red Cross Head of Delegation Maria Grazia Pressacco shared that “Working on this

project is very challenging because It’s something new. But we believe that this project is something really important for humanity because we are facing the challenges of climate change every day.”

“Today is a significant milestone to join hands with PRC and SRC to promote this project. Navotas City is one of the biggest fishports so the main industry here is fishing. It’s very important that we have clean water so we have more fish to catch. Our city is also the only city that hosts a landfill in Metro Manila. We allow others to dump there. Although our city earns from that, we’ve decided to close it next year. This project happened at the most opportune time, as we face the challenge of reducing waste,” Navotas City Mayor Hon. John Reynald Tiangco added.

As of August 30, the project was able to conduct research studies, workshops, training, organize CSGs, community engagement activities, and volunteer recruitment, among others.

Signatories of the MOA were PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, Navotas City Mayor Hon. John Reynald Tiangco, Spanish Red Cross Head of Delegation Maria Grazia Pressacco, and Acting City Environment and Natural Resources Officer EnP. Yzabela Bernardina Nazal-Habunal.

Red Cross sends blood, calls for blood donors amid dwindling blood supply in Baguio

Written on August 30, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

Following reports of Baguio hospitals’ dwindling blood supplies, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will send additional blood bags to the city as it calls on more members of the public to donate blood.

The PRC national headquarters in Mandaluyong will initially send 20 units of blood, through the PRC Baguio Chapter, and will send more in the coming days as needed.

“Rest assured, blood is always available at the Red Cross, and our blood drives help us maintain a steady blood supply. However, the rise in dengue cases which have increased required blood transfusions entails an urgent need to pool more people together to ensure our blood stocks will not be easily depleted,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

“We encourage everyone to seize this opportunity to help our fellow kababayans in their hour of need. Your blood will not just help dengue fever patients, but also patients with leukemia, cancer, and those undergoing dialysis. When we give blood, we give hope. Help us save lives,” he added.

“The Red Cross is staying true to its promise that every person in this country, no matter the time or place, can avail of blood. Our Blood Bank in Baguio has a capacity of 600 blood units. We are exerting all our efforts to help augment blood supplies in hospitals. People’s survival and well-being are our utmost priority,” added PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang.

The PRC Baguio Chapter is in continuous coordination with the local government of Baguio City to assist in blood donations.

It is actively communicating with the Blood services unit of the PRC national headquarters for support in augmenting platelet concentrates. The Chapter is also continuing blood drives and activities, alongside text brigades and donor recall.

The PRC Baguio Chapter, located at Harrison Road, Baguio City, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-in blood donors. The Chapter can be contacted at 09088852707.

Interested blood donors can also go to PRC Benguet Chapter, located at BeGH Compound, Km.5, La Trinidad, for walk-in blood donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It can be reached through mobile or landline (074- 422- 2796; 09104117713) for concerns or inquiries.

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS, SINGAPORE RED CROSS SEND HOME TWO OFWs FROM SINGAPORE

Written on August 30, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) worked together to facilitate the repatriation of two Filipina domestic helpers from Singapore on August 28, 2024.

This joint undertaking of PRC and SRC is in line with the Last Mile Initiative program which aims to support distressed migrant workers who are struggling to return to their families in the Philippines due to their medical conditions. The project was able to send home six (6) OFWs since its inception in 2020.

“Now it’s clear to everyone that the Philippine Red Cross is not only for blood needs. In partnership with the SRC, we were able to reunite our sick kababayans from Singapore with their families. Kusang loob, malasakit, at kapwa-tao—these are the virtues we live by,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said.

The fifth and sixth OFWs previously sent home were aliases “Angelou” and “Gracia.” Both of them worked as domestic helpers in Singapore.

Based on the medical findings, “Angelou”, aged 45, was diagnosed with a right-sided stroke. She underwent a clot removal procedure last March 8.

Forty-nine-year-old “Gracia”, on the other hand, was diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm. She was hospitalized at the National University Hospital Neurosurgery from August 7 to 26.

The SRC staff and medical team accompanied the patients from Changi Airport back to the Philippines. Meanwhile, the PRC provided wheelchairs and ambulance services for both patients and assisted them to their respective provinces of Tuguegarao and General Santos. Aside from this, the PRC also stated that it will continue to monitor the health conditions of the patients and possibly provide livelihood programs for their welfare and recovery.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang thanked PRC’s partners who contributed to the success of the repatriation efforts, saying, “On behalf of the Philippine Red Cross, I would like to echo our profound gratitude to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and to our local chapters in Cagayan and General Santos. Everything is indeed attainable if we work together.”

For questions and inquiries on the Last Mile Initiative program, contact the PRC Welfare Services at 09175974702 or visit its Facebook page.

Red Cross, RMN Foundation mark successful blood drives in Laoag, Zamboanga, GenSan

Written on August 29, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) Foundation, Inc. successfully conducted three simultaneous blood donation drives in Laoag, Ilocos Norte; Zamboanga, and General Santos on August 28, under the “Dugtong-Buhay Bloodletting Project,” in celebration of the 72nd anniversary of RMN Networks, Inc.

Overall, the events yielded 191 blood units. A total of 113 blood units were collected during the activity in General Santos, while 61 were collected in Zamboanga, and 17 in Laoag.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon highlighted the PRC’s strong partnership with the RMN Foundation, which officially began in 2019 and has since resulted in numerous programs and projects that have assisted thousands of Filipinos.

“RMN has been our dedicated media partner for five years now, and they have immensely helped our essential services reach the public. We are glad to partner with a like-minded institution that amplifies voices of marginalized communities, practices responsible journalism, and walks the talk on supporting humanitarian advocacies,” he said.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang also remarked: “It has been a privilege for us to be featured on RMN’s shows to inform the people on the pertinent issues our country’s healthcare system is facing, to promote blood donations and encouraging people to give blood, as well as calling for more volunteers to join the Red Cross. We hope to celebrate more anniversaries together with RMN.”

Gordon also expressed his gratitude to all the donors for their willingness to donate their blood, and for allotting time on their busy schedules for a worthy cause. “Donating blood is a healthy and rewarding practice. To all those who donated, you have done a great service to your fellow citizens, and we hope this becomes a regular part of your lives.”

In the Blood Donors Recognition Ceremony last July, the PRC recognized RMN Foundation, Inc. as a Blood Services Platinum Awardee for their efforts in promoting blood donations and consistent conduct of bloodletting activities.

The PRC and RMN have held bloodletting activities in Mandaluyong City and Laguna this year, with the most recent in Malabon City which yielded 125 bags of blood collected.

The dates for upcoming bloodletting activities under the Dugtong-Buhay project from the RMN Foundation and RMN Network will soon be announced.

Philippine Red Cross serves over a hundred patients amid leptospirosis surge

Written on August 27, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

METRO MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) had finally ended its 12-day leptospirosis operations at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) and San Lazaro Hospital amid the spike in leptospirosis cases in places affected by floods during the onset of Super Typhoon Carina.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon, upon learning of the alarming situation, immediately mobilized medical professionals and a pool of volunteer nurses to provide healthcare support in NKTI and San Lazaro Hospital—the two hospitals in Metro Manila with a large number of admitted leptospirosis patients.

“We’ve expanded our critical support in NKTI and San Lazaro Hospital, where our dedicated medical teams provided care to those affected. The Red Cross is committed to being there for our people, ensuring that every Filipino receives the care they need during these challenging times,” said Chairman Gordon.

The 12-day operations (24-hour shift schedule) at NKTI which ended on August 21 helped a total of 77 patients with 49 PRC nurses and student nurses deployed, including dialysis nurses who assisted with severe cases. While the assistance at San Lazaro Hospital, which ended on August 25, assisted 98 patients with a total of 74 PRC nurses and student nurses deployed in shifting schedules.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang commended all the PRC medical teams and volunteers who served during the PRC’s leptospirosis operations: “The power of PRC lies in its dedicated staff and volunteers. I want to extend my congratulations and gratitude to our hard-working health services team, medical staff, student nurses, and to everyone who contributed to the success of our response. Mabuhay kayong lahat at maraming salamat sa inyong buong-pusong paglilingkod.”

NKTI Executive Director Dr. Rose Marie Rosete-Liquete shared that “Chairman Gordon was the first official who called NKTI to offer help and support on how we can augment our nurses because we have to open the leptospirosis gym and another area in the hospital which was converted to a leptospirosis ward because of the rising cases.”

Aside from providing hospital support, the PRC also extended aid to communities through its 102 chapters nationwide and distributed various medical supplies and relief items to those rendered most vulnerable during and after Supertyphoon Carina.

Philippine Red Cross Honors National Heroes Day with Simultaneous Mass Blood Donations Across 24 sites nationwide

Written on August 27, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

Mandaluyong, Philippines — In a nationwide effort to celebrate National Heroes Day in the best way, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) organized simultaneous mass blood donation drives across 24 sites on August 25, 2024. This massive undertaking was designed to commemorate the heroism of the nation’s forebears by inspiring modern-day acts of heroism through blood donation.

The blood donation sites spanned the entire country, reflecting a collective commitment to saving lives and reinforcing the spirit of service that National Heroes Day represents. The donation sites included major locations in Mandaluyong, Rizal, Pasig, Makati, Malabon, Laguna, Palawan, Sorsogon, Antique, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato, General Santos and Batanes; two sites in Batangas, Baguio, Cagayan and Zamboanga del Sur; and three sites in Iloilo.

A Highlight in Tarlac: Philippine Army and PRC Join Forces

Among the various sites, a significant blood donation event was held at the Armor Division in Camp O’Donnell, Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac, a testament to the strong partnership between the PRC and the Philippine Army. The Tarlac event, organized in collaboration with the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, headed by Dr. Isa Suntay, the major sponsor, aimed to collect blood from 1,300 donors from three army divisions—the Armor Division led by its Commander, MGen Pedro Balisi, Jr., the Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC) led by its Commander, MGen Danilo Benavides, and the Army Support Command (ASCOM) led by its Commander, MGen Rogelio Ulanday.

These three divisions of the Philippine Army through the leadership of its Commander LGen Roy Galido and Vice Commander, MGen Leodevic Guinid, have been steadfast partners of the Tarlac Red Cross Chapter, contributing significantly to its blood donation efforts over the years. TRADOC has been involved since 2017, collecting a total of 1,514 units of blood. ASCOM joined the initiative in 2022 and has since collected 332 units, while the Armor Division Command recently contributed 120 units in a blood drive last June 4, 2024.

Aside from the PRC Tarlac Chapter, three nearby chapters also joined the mass blood donation – PRC Bataan, PRC Nueva Ecija and PRC Pampanga.

A Nationwide Effort to Save Lives

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed his appreciation of the Philippine Army’s effort to conduct a simultaneous blood donation to save lives, “More than being grateful, I am extremely proud of our army – kahit kulang ang gamit, you are prepared to fight for your country. Kulang na pero heto kayo at nagbibigay pa rin. You fight for the country and now you help those who are fighting for their lives. Heroes in every sense of the word. Mabuhay kayo! Dahil ngayong araw nakapagbigay kayo ng buhay.”

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang also shared her gratitude for the overwhelming support from volunteers and donors nationwide: “This simultaneous mass blood donation drive is a clear demonstration of the collective spirit of bayanihan that still thrives in our communities. We are proud of every donor and volunteer who took part in this noble cause.”

The PRC continues to rely on the generosity of blood donors and the support of communities nationwide to maintain a stable blood supply. For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, please contact the PRC Blood Call Center by dialing 143 and 1158 nationwide.

For More Information

For more information on future bloodletting events or to learn how you can participate in saving lives, please visit the Philippine Red Cross website or contact your local PRC chapter. Together, we can continue to honor our heroes by making a difference in the lives of others.

Going Beyond Fandom: Red Cross, Jungkookies hold 3rd bloodletting activity

Written on August 25, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Jungkookies, the dedicated fan group of BTS member Jungkook, have once again demonstrated that fandom can be a powerful force for good as they host their third annual bloodletting activity on August 24 at the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center (PLMC).

The blood donation drive, dubbed “Golden X Unity: United to Save Lives,” aims to unite ARMYs (BTS fans) and highlight the critical importance of blood donation in saving lives. The event was also held in anticipation of Jungkook’s 27th birthday on September 1, 2024, giving fans a meaningful way to honor their idol by contributing to a life-saving cause.

“Blood donors are heroes, and the blood they give is free. As the major blood supplier in the country, the PRC is committed to providing safe and quality blood supply for all,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon.

JV Vidal, Jungkookies’ Head Admin, expressed the fan group’s heartfelt motivation, saying, “This is our way of expressing our love for Jungkook and celebrating his birthday more meaningfully by saving lives. We, Jungkook fans, are not asking for anything in return. I hope that by organizing this kind of activity, we help to spread awareness on the importance of blood donation.”

Highlighting the inclusive spirit of the event, 47-year-old Cristina Antinero, a first-time blood donor and a member of the Red Cross 143 volunteer program since 2018, shared that her six children influenced her to become an ARMY. “Age is not a hindrance to becoming an ARMY and a blood donor,” she added, embodying the event’s message that everyone can contribute to saving lives.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang emphasized the PRC’s extensive resources to support blood donation efforts: “With PRC’s 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers across the nation, there is sufficient blood supply at the Red Cross.”

The successful bloodletting activity, which ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., gathered 143 blood units from ARMYs and walk-in donors. Since its inception in 2022, the joint bloodletting initiative has collected a total of 401 blood units, reflecting the remarkable impact that fan-driven efforts can have on public health.

For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC National Blood Services at [email protected] and [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center by dialing 143 and 1158 nationwide.

Philippine Red Cross implements comprehensive Dengue Outbreak Response Plan amid rising cases

Written on August 25, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) being the major blood supplier in the country, activated a comprehensive dengue outbreak response plan to address the increasing demand for blood supplies and other critical needs of dengue-affected patients.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon emphasized the importance of the organization’s proactive approach, “I always tell my team the importance of 4Ps: Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice. As many areas in the country are declared under a state of calamity due to the alarming rise of dengue cases, we are implementing a response plan to help government agencies during this crisis. Just like in recent health challenges, this is not just PRC’s fight, it’s all of ours,” Gordon said.

According to the dengue response plan of the PRC Blood Services, the PRC will ensure a steady blood supply. From January 1 to August 21 this year, the humanitarian organization dispensed 3,180 blood units to 1,020 dengue patients including those residing in areas under a state of calamity.

In Iloilo province, placed under a state of calamity on August 20, 826 blood bags were supplied to infected patients. In Maasin, Southern Leyte, 15 units of blood platelets were delivered from its Cebu Chapter. Maasin was also placed under a state of calamity along with other places in Eastern Visayas.

“Araw-araw nagre-report ang 102 chapters ng PRC sa supply nila ng dugo. Kaya very confident ako na kahit nasaan ka man sa bansa, kaya kang bigyan ng Red Cross ng dugo,” Gordon added.

Aside from the provision of blood for transfusion, several programs and activities such as dengue awareness campaigns online and on-ground, health caravans, blood donations, and cleanup drives to prevent the further spread of the disease are also part of the response plan.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang stated “The response plan serves as a compass to PRC national headquarters and its 102 chapters nationwide in conducting activities related to dengue mitigation. With PRC’s 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers across the Philippines, we are sure that no patient will be denied access to blood.”

For blood needs and assistance, the public may call the PRC’s 24/7 hotlines 1158 and 143.

PH Red Cross supplies 3,000 blood units due to rising dengue cases

Written on August 21, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided a total of 3,038 blood units to 974 patients infected by dengue fever from the first six months of 2024 as dengue cases continue to rise in the country.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), from January 1 to August 3 this year, 136,161 dengue cases were recorded. This is 33 percent higher than the 102,374 dengue cases reported during the same period last year. Due to the alarming number of dengue cases, several local government units have officially declared dengue outbreaks.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon assured the public that the PRC is ready to supply blood to support the patients and to help the nation combat the fatal disease.

“Palaging may dugo sa Red Cross, ‘yan ang maipapangako ko sa ating mga kababayan. We deliver blood to hospitals so they don’t have to go to the Red Cross to ask for their blood needs. We delivered 15 units of blood platelets in Southern Leyte from Cebu due to the rising dengue cases in Maasin and we can do the same to other provinces. Libre at ligtas ang dugo sa Red Cross,” Gordon said.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added, “Ang blood donation ay napakahalaga dahil mataas ang demand ng dugo sa Pilipinas lalo na ngayon na may dengue outbreak. I encourage everyone to make blood donation your lifestyle dahil hindi lang ito maganda sa kalusugan, nakapagliligtas din ito ng buhay.”

The PRC amplifies the DOH’s 5S campaign to fight dengue: Search and destroy, Self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, Say yes to fogging, and Sustain hydration. It also reminded the citizens that simple continuous fever should not be ignored. Early detection of dengue is crucial; seek immediate medical attention if anyone experiences early symptoms such as high fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, and skin rash.

Currently, the PRC owns 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers nationwide.

The public may call the PRC’s 24/7 hotlines 1158 and 143 for blood assistance.

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