Philippine Red Cross

PH RED CROSS SHOWS NONSTOP EFFORTS TO COMBAT DENGUE

Written on June 20, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

In observance of Dengue Awareness Month this June, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) strengthened its commitment to stop the spread of dengue disease as the rainy season began.

Despite the fact that dengue cases continued to decline over the last ten weeks, according to the Department of Health, PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said that the PRC is strengthening its nationwide efforts, especially in dengue hot spot areas.

“We continue to monitor the dengue situation in our country through our dedicated Health Services teams and Red Cross volunteers working tirelessly on the ground lalo na ngayon at nag-umpisa na ang tag-ulan. We want to assure everyone that the Philippine Red Cross has an ample supply of safe and quality blood nationwide. We remain committed to saving lives, ensuring that every Filipino in need receives quality healthcare and support from us,” Chairman Gordon stated.

As of June 15, PRC’s dengue information drive reached 35,000 individuals and 70 schools. The organization’s cleanup activities were conducted in 450 barangays with approximately 9,000 volunteers mobilized.

Last February 22 to 23 this year, the PRC’s nationwide simultaneous cleanup drive “Linis BEATs Dengue” reached 375 communities with 6,210 volunteers deployed from various PRC chapters.

“Dengue is preventable, and it starts with clean homes and communities. We are encouraging everyone to make this a community activity, after all, a clean environment is a safe environment. For dengue patients, PRC has 109 blood facilities nationwide so we ensure that we have enough blood supply to help you recover,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

The PRC encourages the public to become members of the Philippine Red Cross through the Safe Card membership program, which entitles members to one unit of whole blood, ambulance service, and accident-related hospitalization coverage for an annual fee of 1,200 pesos or 100 pesos per month. PRC also stated that aside from the mentioned perks, there are additional benefits covered by the Safe Card, which includes dengue treatment.

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.

PH Red Cross intensifies WILD Diseases campaign as heavy rain continues to batter Mindanao

Written on January 12, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

Philippine Red Cross responds to Mindano Flooding

Increased transmission risks of waterborne, Influenza, Leptospirosis and Dengue (WILD) Diseases are unfolding in several provinces of Mindanao as unprecedented flooding continues. In addition to humanitarian aid, the Philippine Red Cross on 07 January also intensified the implementation of its health campaign across different PRC chapters in Mindanao.

To shed light on the nature, risks, symptoms, and prevention of WILD Diseases, the PRC Mindanao chapters mobilized the Red Cross 143 (RC143) volunteers to post and distribute brochures and flyers, disseminate information through SMS alerts and texts, and conduct health promotion sessions in Gingoog, Oroquieta, Tangub, Ozamis, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro, Agusan del Norte, Surigao Del Sur, and Iligan City.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon reiterated the importance of preventive measures in restraining the transmission of WILD Diseases. “Mataas ang infections risk ng ganitong mga sakit [WILD Diseases] sa mga komunidad na may baha dahil ginagawa itong breeding ground ng mga daga at lamok. Maaring mapababa ang risk kung patuloy nating tutulungan at bibigyan ng kaalaman ating mga komunidad sa Mindanao sa kung paano maiiwasan ang pagkalat ng Leptospirosis, Dengue at iba pang waterborne diseases. Nananatiling alisto ang ating Health unit at volunteers sa Mindanao sa pagsasagawa ng mga health campaign,” explained Chairman Gordon.

In addition to health campaigns, the PRC Health Services sent Doxycycline, a prophylactic agent used for the treatment of Leptospirosis, to Mindanao. According to the PRC, an individual with open wounds or skin lesions can become infected through direct contact with water, soil, and mud contaminated with infected animal urine. Without immediate and proper treatment, Leptospirosis can damage kidneys and cause liver failure. Children and pregnant women, however, cannot take the medication.

As of 09 January, the PRC has also provided the following humanitarian aid to communities affected by floods caused by the shear line over the Christmas weekend: 191,650 liters of clean and safe water through its water tankers and bladders, psychological first aid to 2,714 adults and children, hygiene education to 1,574 people, hygiene kits to 446 families, jerry cans to 355 families, water search and rescue to 201 individuals, including children, sleeping kits to 360 families, non-standard food ration and bread to 138 families, first aid services to 134 persons, and health education and medicines to 87 people.

PH Red Cross strengthens its blood donation campaign as dengue cases rise

Written on July 14, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) strengthened its blood donation campaign as dengue cases rise in the country.

The Department of Health (DOH) reported over 60,000 dengue cases from January 1 to June 25, 2022, which is 90% higher compared to over 30,000 cases during the same period in 2021. Some dengue cases warrant blood transfusion.

With the increased demand for blood transfusions, the PRC maintains its blood supply by continuing to accept walk-in blood donors in its 102 facilities nationwide. Aside from the blood donation in its facilities, the PRC establishes more strategic partnerships with public and private companies to conduct its Mobile Blood Donation (MBD), which aims to make blood donations more accessible to communities across the country.

As of July 13, the PRC has dispensed 2,267 blood units to 774 dengue patients.

“Sa dumadaming kaso ng dengue sa ating bansa, tinitiyak natin na laging sapat ang suplay ng dugo sa Red Cross para sa mga kababayan natin na nangangailangan nito,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

Chairman Gordon encouraged healthy individuals to donate blood regularly through its 102 facilities nationwide to save the lives of dengue patients.

For blood donation, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC NBS at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.

PH Red Cross assures the public of its adequate blood supplies amid recent increases in Dengue cases

Written on June 22, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) assures the public that its blood supplies are adequate for Dengue patients as the Department of Health (DOH) reports recent increases in Dengue cases starting at the end of March 2022.

The DOH also reported that, from April 10 to May 7, 2022, most of the Dengue cases were from Region IX (908 cases), Region VII (881 cases), and Region III (593 cases). In response, the PRC conducts dengue awareness and prevention activities to help the DOH in its efforts to curb the continuous increase in the number of Dengue cases in the country.

The PRC also reminds the public of the need to always practice the 4-S campaign to prevent the Dengue virus: Search and destroy breeding places, Secure self-protection, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging/spraying in hotspot areas.

In addition, the PRC encourages healthy individuals to donate blood regularly through its 100 facilities nationwide as this act saves the lives of Dengue patients. “Makatitiyak ang ating mga kababayan na laging sapat ang supply ng dugo ng Red Cross para sa mga nangangailangan, lalo ngayong panahon ng tag-ulan at nariyan na naman ang banta ng Dengue sa atin,” Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

As of June 20, the PRC has served 700 blood units to 239 Dengue patients.

For immediate blood requests and other inquiries, contact the PRC Blood Call Center which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.

Philippine Red Cross warns public of dengue fever risk

Written on June 16, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events.

Philippine Red Cross Dengue Awareness Month

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) warned the public of dengue fever risk and gave advice on how it can be prevented as the country observes Dengue Awareness Month in June.

The PRC Health Services explained that dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that causes a severe flu-like illness. It can progress into two life-threatening conditions: dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The virus that causes dengue is passed on to humans from animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The symptoms are sudden onset of high fever, which may last from 2 to 7 days; joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes; weakness; skin rashes; nose bleeding when fever starts to subside; abdominal pain; vomiting of coffee-colored matter; dark-colored stools; and difficulty of breathing.

PRC reminds the public of the 4 Ss to prevent dengue:

Search and Destroy: Cover water drums and pails; Replace water in flower vases once a week; Clean gutters of leaves and debris; Collect and dispose of all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles, and other items that can collect and hold water.

Self-Protection Measures: Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt; Use mosquito repellent every day.

Seek Early Consultation: Consult the doctors immediately if fever persists after 2 days and rashes appear.

Say Yes to Fogging when there is an impending outbreak or a hotspot.

The PRC Health Services gives the following advice: If medicine for fever will be given, do not give aspirin. Ensure a person suspected of having dengue is well hydrated. If fever or symptoms persist for 2 or more days, bring the patient to the nearest hospital.

PRC mobilizes teams and staff after earthquake jolts Cotabato and nearby provinces anew; PRC continues fight vs Dengue & Polio

Written on October 30, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

In response to the magnitude 6.6 earthquake that hit several parts of Mindanao on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) immediately dispatched volunteers, staff, rescue teams, Emergency personnel and ambulances to South Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, Davao del Sur, General Santos City and Davao City and is continuously assessing and monitoring the situation on the ground to determine further assistance needed.

“People have been evacuated such as in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato, the Philippine Red Cross has assisted in evacuation of families,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

Welfare desks have been established in North Cotabato and Davao del Sur to relieve the stress and trauma suffered by the residents while hot meals were also provided by PRC at the Dominican Hospital in Davao del Sur.

“In areas where electrical supply and water access have been disrupted, PRC is prepared to deploy field medical tents with generators for the injured and water tankers, bladders and filtration units for the community if needed,” Gordon added.

The concerned Chapters also activated Red Cross Action Team, Volunteers and Search-and-Rescue Teams.

In response to a different crisis situation, PRC recently finished its support to the Mass Polio Vaccination Program of the government in Metro Manila, Davao City, Davao del Sur and Lanao del Sur in Mindanao with more than 65,000 children vaccinated by more than 600 Red Cross volunteers from October 14 to October 27, and a continuation will be held in November 2019 and January 2020.

“The original target children to be vaccinated was only 30,000 but, with so much effort from PRC’s staff and volunteers, the target was doubled,” Gordon said.

This activity is in partnership with the Department of Health and with the support from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

PRC is also actively responding to the Dengue outbreak and has already served more than 6,600 patients thru its dengue medical tents installed in government hospitals in Iloilo, Cavite and Iligan City.

Red Cross dengue ops get 1M support from GT Foundation

Written on September 5, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)’s dengue epidemic response operations received a major boost with a P1 million grant from GT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Metrobank Group.

Chairman Richard Gordon said the timely contribution enables PRC to reach more communities affected by the dengue epidemic, which has now taken 958 lives and infected 229,736 individuals.

“We have a long-standing partnership with the Metrobank Group that mirrors our shared commitment to alleviate the suffering of the people. Thank you, Metrobank and GT Foundation, for once again trusting us. This is for our country that is now facing a crisis due to dengue,” Gordon said.

PRC will utilize the funds to further implement its three-point strategy against dengue epidemic: decongest hospitals by setting up medical tents; ensure supply of quality and adequate blood; and, conduct massive information and cleanup drives through its 104 chapters nationwide.

To date, PRC has assisted 3,231 patients through its 10 medical tents in most affected hospitals in Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Cavite, and Iligan. PRC also dispensed 330 blood products for patients with dengue hemorrhagic cases.

Metrobank Group, as PRC’s institutional partner, has collaborated with the organization in reaching out to disaster-stricken communities and expanding its capacity.

During Gordon’s birthday last August, the Metrobank Foundation donated P200,000 to support the PRC ambulance Samaritan program.

PRC also received P2.4 million, which represented the proceeds of Metrobank Group’s appeal to donate to the organization in lieu of flowers for the late philanthropist Dr. George SK Ty.

Red Cross intensifies counter-dengue ops with more tents, blood supplies

Written on August 13, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) shows no letup in addressing the dengue crisis as it deployed more medical tents and blood products to support communities with a high number of dengue cases.

Under the leadership of Chairman Richard Gordon, PRC has treated 1,055 patients through its eight emergency medical tents that serve as extension wards and fast lanes in Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan.

The medical tents are installed at most overcrowded hospitals namely Balasan District Hospital, Sara District Hospital and Guimbal District Hospital in Iloilo; Tapaz District Hospital and Bailan District Hospital in Capiz; and Aklan Provincial Hospital.

PRC recently opened a 60-bed medical tent at the Pagamutang Bayan ng Dasmarinas in the Province of Cavite, where 3,277 dengue cases have been recorded.

“Tens of thousands of patients continue streaming into overcrowded hospital. All hands are on deck to address this deadly epidemic. We set up medical tents, augment the blood supply in most affected provinces, and put our ambulances on standby,” Gordon said.

Gordon also assured that PRC, with the support of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, remains on full alert to supply the blood needs amid the declaration of a national epidemic.

As of August 8, PRC has supplied 330 units of blood supplies to over a hundred patients with hemorrhagic complications from Iloilo and Aklan.

On Wednesday, PRC National Headquarters sent 85 units of frozen blood products to Tacloban and Palawan after it augment 165 blood units to Iloilo and Aklan.

‘Three-point strategy’

Gordon, who treats the dengue crisis as a “national emergency,” came up with a three-point strategy to address the dengue epidemic—deploy medical tents, maintain the adequacy of blood supply, and mobilize 143 volunteers to conduct cleanup efforts.

PRC maximizes its network of community volunteers through Red Cross 143 and Red Cross Youth programs to track down dengue and conduct clean-up efforts within a 400-meter radius where they are discovered.

“The real solution to dengue is a massive cleanup. The Red Cross is treating it as a national emergency because one dead is already one dead too many,” Gordon said.

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Tag: dengue