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Tag: Dick Gordon

Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon got a courtesy call on 4 October from Ralph Montehermosa, the only Filipino rescuer with Ocean Viking, a cargo vessel conducting search and rescue activities in the central Mediterranean. The ship is chartered and operated by SOS MEDITERRANEE in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). During Mr. Montehermosa’s latest duty period on the ship, their fleet rescued around 1,000 migrants who experienced mishap at sea. He has been a rescuer with Ocean Viking for six years. Referred to by Chairman Gordon as a hero, Mr. Montehermosa says: “Masaya ako na nakaka-save ng buhay.”

Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) honored Philippine Red Cross Chairman/CEO Richard Gordon as a “Man of Exemplary Influence”, for his decades-long service to the country as a humanitarian volunteer and leader, and an advocate of legislation supporting humanitarian organizations.

At a ceremony last Sept. 27, PCS credited Gordon’s exemplary leadership that spanned decades of unwavering commitment to serve. Gordon, who was a past member of PCS’ Board of Trustees, explored a possible collaboration with PCS to help the most vulnerable, specifically cancer patients.

“I am deeply honored by this award from the Philippine Cancer Society. My parents instilled in me compassion for other people, and this award is a testament to how my parents brought me up – having the values of kusang loob, malasakit, and kapwa-tao,” Gordon said

“To our kababayans who are cancer patients, know that there are people who are ready to support you, and among them are the people at Philippine Cancer Society and its donors,” Gordon addressed cancer patients.

The PCS highlighted Gordon’s track record of public service. As Olongapo City Mayor and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman, Gordon led a joint Philippine-American civilian and military rescue effort in the collapsed Central College of the Philippines in Cabanatuan City and the rescue of thousands of college students stranded in Baguio City for reunification with their parents after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Central Luzon in July 1990. Food supplies were also airlifted to the affected populations. Gordon also co-led the rehabilitation operations of Central Luzon after the earthquake.

As Department of Tourism Secretary, he led the rescue of kidnapped tourists at Dos Palmas in 2001. As Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross from 2004 to present, he is at the helm of the country’s premier humanitarian organization, leading not just its disaster responses but also its other services, such as blood collection and dispensing and emergency medical services. As senator, Gordon was instrumental in the enactment of a law that requires media companies to allot more airtime to information on emergencies and responses.

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon proposed to the aviation industry to create a humanitarian air system, as he pushed for Subic to be considered as a cargo or humanitarian hub in Asia.

Sharing his insights on strengthening the role of the aviation industry in humanitarian assistance at the 2023 Aviation Summit, Gordon said: “Speed is the name of the game. When people are suffering, needing all kinds of support, time is of the essence.”

Gordon elaborated that the Philippines can be the cargo or humanitarian hub for Asia to meet the logistical needs of a disaster response, including transporting aid workers. He recommended that Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) be used as a cargo and humanitarian hub not just for the Philippines but for other Asian countries. He believes that SBIA would be an ideal place to preposition goods and facilitate rapid deployment.

Gordon welcomed the aviation industry’s interest in learning how it can have a stronger role in humanitarian response as he shared that at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the PRC had to use chartered planes to have the Covid-19 testing equipment and reagents shipped to the Philippines from China. He added that the PRC had a hard time finding planes that would deliver generators, tents, and other equipment and supplies donated for the earthquake survivors in Türkiye and Syria through the PRC.

He said that SBIA is not operational at the moment, but it would be a wise decision to reuse it and recoup the country’s investment in building it.

The two-day inaugural summit was co-organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), and the Department of Transportation (DoTR).

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Health Caravan continues to reach people with primary health care services through its Health Caravan. On 09 September 2023, the PRC Health Caravan drove to Angono, Rizal. The outreach program, held at Angono Municipal Gym, provided health consultations to 209 people through eight volunteer medical doctors and two volunteer nurses.

“The Health Caravan is our way of reaching people who, otherwise, find it challenging to access primary health care services because of logistical concerns, such as the distance of their homes to the health facility,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon. 

During the outreach program, 40 persons with mobility impairment and senior citizens were also given wheelchairs, while 120 persons received eyeglasses. Hot meals were served to those who participated in the event. Fourteen volunteers from RC143, the PRC’s barangay-based volunteer network, assisted in organizing the event.

“Marami sa ating mga kababayan ang pumupunta sa aming mga health caravan para makakuha  ng medical services at iba pang serbisyo, kagaya ng first aid education, Covid vaccination, pati na rin mga libreng gamit, kagaya ng eyeglasses,” explained PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang.

Present in the event were Angono Mayor Jeri Mae E. Calderon and Angono Municipal Councilors Dokdok Villanueva and Elena Ibañez. The initiative was in partnership with the Rotary International, Church of Latter-Day Saints, and Local Government of Angono, Rizal.

A brainchild of Chairman Gordon, the PRC Health Service has reached thousands of persons across the country with medical consultations and other health services.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is in the midst of preparation as Typhoon Goring (international name: Saola) placed several regions in Northern Luzon under Signal No. 1. PRC’s rescue and relief assets, equipment, and volunteers are ready to move in anticipation of the possible development of the storm into a typhoon category on Saturday (26 August).

Food trucks, water tankers, and payloaders are in place and can be mobilized instantly. Ambulances, generators, and rescue equipment have similarly been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon assured that PRC’s chapters and RC143 volunteers are prepared to be mobilized, adding “Northern Luzon is still reeling from the impacts of Egay and Falcon. Landslides can be expected to occur in this region as it experienced massive amounts of rain during the past weeks. Along with other lifelines such as food, water, electricity, and telecommunications, our payloaders are prepositioned in case landslides, fallen trees, and other debris will block roads and hamper our relief and rescue operations.”

PRC Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang said that the PRC chapters in other parts of Luzon and Visayas are also prepared to respond as Goring is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, which will also cause occasional rains to the mentioned regions.

The Philippine Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), and Ever Commonwealth Mall held a blood donation drive, dubbed “Sagip Dugtong Buhay,” at Ever Commonwealth Mall on 11 August 2023. Throngs of blood donors showed up for the event, which resulted in 1,599 bags of blood collected, which can save 6,369 lives.

PRC, the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, and media company GMA Network’s socio-civic arm, GMAKF, have been partners in blood donation drives for 27 years. They aim to contribute to the country’s goal of having an adequate blood supply for medical emergencies. The blood donation drive was held on the occasion of GMAKF founder Mel Tiangco’s birthday.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon thanked Ms. Tiangco for her advocacy, saying: “Mel has defined herself. Tayong lahat kailangan may definition tayo. Ano’ng klaseng tao tayo. Mabuti ba tayong tao? Madaling sabihin ‘yon. Sabi ko nga sa Latin, ‘acta, non-verba’ — action, not words. Kailangan may prinsipyo ka.”

Gordon also thanked the blood donors and acknowledged their sense of service, saying: “Helping other people, giving blood, needs practice. If you do not practise it, makakalimutan mo ‘yan. We salute you! We do not know who gets the blood. It is important for you to realize that.”

Gordon granted the PRC Blood Galloner recognition to those who have donated a gallon of blood so far in their lifetime. PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang made the rounds among the blood donors and personally thanked and acknowledged them.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Climate Change Commission today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to advance public awareness, advocacy campaigns, and programs on climate change adaptation and mitigation at the local level.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon and Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang signed the six-year agreement with CCC Vice Chair and Executive Director, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, and Commissioner, Attorney Rachel Anne Herrera.

The two organizations agreed to collaborate on enhancing the knowledge and projects of communities and local government units on climate change concerns. They are also looking to integrate their tools for current and future policies. PRC pledged its support for the forestation activities of CCC’s Carbon-Zero Challenge, an initiative aimed at reducing the carbon emissions from a product or service.

Chairman Gordon commended the CCC for its commitment to combat climate change. He said: “Through our millions of RC143 volunteers in thousands of communities, we can help implement climate action projects and policies effectively at the community level. One of our goals on why we keep pushing to have a group of trained volunteers in each community is to bring our mission closer to every Filipino.”

Dr. Pang, in her previous discussions on climate change adaptation, has been reiterating the importance of investing in nature-based solutions and sustainable use of natural resources to combat climate change. “We have to work with nature to mitigate the impact of climate change,” she said.

The PRC has been actively campaigning and promoting climate action through its Health Services, Safety Services, Welfare Services, WASH, Disaster Risk Reduction, Anticipatory Action activities, and projects such as educating the youth, equipping PRC chapters with climate change knowledge, community planning, and projects on nature-based solutions.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) stands ready to provide essential support and assistance during the 2nd State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Bongbong Marcos at the Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City, on July 24, 2023. As of 5 AM today, all PRC teams are on standby, equipped and prepared to address any potential emergencies that may arise during this significant event.

PRC’s summary of deployment for the SONA is as follows:

  • Ambulances: 6
  • First Aid Stations: 6
  • Welfare Desks: 6
  • Manpower: 75

The strategically positioned teams will be deployed across several key areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage and rapid response capabilities. The areas of deployment include:

  1. Camp Karingal
  2. Command Post
  3. Batasan Road South Gate
  4. Batasan Road North Gate
  5. Quezon Memorial Circle
  6. Commission on Human Rights, Commonwealth Ave
  7. Batoda terminal, Commonwealth Ave
  8. Batasan-San Mateo Road

PRC is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public, guests, and officials attending the SONA. The presence of PRC’s well-trained personnel and fully equipped ambulances will provide critical emergency medical services should any situation demand immediate attention.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon stated, “Our dedicated teams have undergone rigorous training to handle various emergency situations effectively. We will always be ready to serve and extend our humanitarian aid wherever it is needed.

PRC encourages everyone attending the SONA to stay vigilant and cooperate with the authorities and the PRC personnel. If any medical assistance is required, the public is urged to approach the nearest PRC team or First Aid Station.
As a humanitarian organization, the Philippine Red Cross has always been at the forefront of disaster response, emergency assistance, and medical services.

Holy Week is a major religious observance in the Philippines, with many Filipinos participating in various religious practices during this time. For many, it is also an opportunity to travel and visit family or take a vacation. As the country commemorates Holy Week this year, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) emergency medical services (EMS) teams nationwide will be on high alert to respond to medical emergencies.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon has always been an advocate of emergency preparedness, and one way to prepare for an emergency is to have EMS personnel available during mass gatherings, such as the Holy Week observance. “Ang Red Cross ay laging handa at laging nandyan para sa ating mga kababayan kapag may mga malaking okasyon kung saan maraming mga taong nagtitipon, sakaling may medical emergency,” Gordon said.

The PRC will mobilize over 1,000 EMS personnel to operate more than 200 first aid stations, ambulance units, and roving units around places of worship, highways, port areas, bus terminals, tourist destinations, and gas stations. PRC and Petron will set up first aid stations in selected Petron gas stations along NLEX, SLEX, and STAR Toll as part of Lakbay Alalay, the PRC-Petron partnership to assist commuters during events and holidays that see peak traffic.

For a safe trip, remember PRC’s 10 Road Safety Commitments:

  1. Use seatbelts/child car seats.
  2. Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.
  3. Drive at a safe speed and distance suitable to the condition.
  4. Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  5. Do not use a mobile phone when driving.
  6. Be visible as a pedestrian or cyclist.
  7. Know and respect the highway codes.
  8. Maintain your vehicle in good condition.
  9. Be licensed and trained for the vehicle drive.
  10. Know how to react in case of a crash.

To avoid heat-related emergencies, stay hydrated and avoid sugary drinks, stay in air conditioned or well-ventilated areas, and wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.

For emergency and any untoward incident, contact our 24/7 Operations Center by dialing 143 or 8790-23-00.

Access to clean and safe water is necessary to nourish life. The human body cannot be sustained without water. Every person needs water on a daily basis for drinking, hygiene, and sanitation purposes. In support of this year’s observance of World Water Day, on 22 March, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will conduct advocacy campaigns in schools and communities across its 102 chapters. The campaign will revolve around “Accelerating Change,” the theme of this year’s celebration.

“Water is essential to maintain human life and dignity. Part of the immediate humanitarian aid we deploy whenever there is a disaster is our water tankers. Right now we have 28 water tankers strategically located across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and ready to be deployed when needed,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said.

The “Accelerating Change” advocacy encourages people to save water. It breaks the taboo around toilets, water, and menstruation. Promoting gender equality, the campaign advocates that fetching water should be a shared task between women and men and girls and boys.

The advocacy inspires people to learn about how water is treated and distributed. Communities along riverbanks and seashores are spurred to plant trees that store water and reduce the risk of flooding. The brave are emboldened to engage legislators about budgets for improving access to water. The public is stirred to participate in clean-ups of rivers, lakes, wetlands, and beaches.

Gordon added that the PRC also partners with the government and the private sector to build water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities and to ensure access to water after a hazard event.

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
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