Philippine Red Cross

PRC sends EMS personnel to aid people affected by 6.8 earthquake that hit Sarangani, Davao Occidental

Written on November 17, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon convened the PRC team today to plan the humanitarian organization’s response to communities affected by the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Sarangani, Davao Occidental and neighboring provinces at 4:14 pm today.

As of writing, the PRC’s emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, Red Cross 143 volunteers, and assets are deployed to provide EMS to affected students from Holy Trinity Junior High and Golden State College, and other affected communities.

“PRC volunteers and staff are on the ground assessing the needs of communities. We are mobilizing our volunteers in the affected barangays to ensure that reports are transmitted to our Operations Center immediately. In this way, we can immediately provide humanitarian assistance to those affected,” said Chairman Gordon.

According to reports from the PRC Davao Del Sur Chapter, the earthquake caused power outages in Digos City. Alberto Olarte Sr. National High School in Sarangani and two malls in Koronadal and General Santos City suffered from collapsed ceilings and broken glasses. A construction crane in Davao City with a block of cement also collapsed.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake’s depth of focus was 10 kilometers. PRC Davao del Sur Chapter reported that in Digos City, strong shaking lasted for 10 seconds.

Photo: Damages in Alberto Olarte Sr. National High School in Mabila, Sarangani, Davao Occidental (photo from Red Cross 143 volunteer Shyluck Regino)

Philippine Red Cross deploys humanitarian package of services as 5.9 magnitude earthquake hits Davao De Oro anew

Written on March 15, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

As a 5.9 magnitude earthquake shook Davao De Oro anew on 7 March 2023, the Philippine Red Cross deployed its emergency medical services (EMS) team, medical tents, food trucks, a water tanker, and trained psychological first aid providers to meet the needs of displaced families.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon assured the public that the PRC will be a reliable help to the Filipinos in times of distress and encouraged them to become a member of PRC’s village-based Red Cross 143 volunteer system. “Ang Red Cross po ninyo ay inyong maaasahan sa panahon ng sakuna, kaya naman inaasahan din namin na kayo ang aming maging mata at tainga, na magbibigay sa amin ng impormasyon ukol sa mga nangyayari sa inyong barangay. Magtulungan tayo para mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga barangay,” Gordon said.

The PRC Hot Meals on Wheels served arroz caldo to 1,220 individuals at Manat Gymnasium, the designated evacuation center in Barangay Manat, Nabunturan and at Andap National High School evacuation center in New Bataan, Compostela Valley. The PRC Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Team set up a bufflo tank at the evacuation center; the tank dispensed 1,000 liters of water, enough for the immediate needs of families seeking shelter at the gymnasium.

Three PRC medical tents are set up at the Davao De Oro Provincial Hospital. These emergency medical units served as the immediate evacuation area for patients of the hospital. As of writing, 48 patients are being treated in the medical tents. The PRC EMS Team served 76 patients who had their blood pressure taken. A PRC ambulance is on standby as of 13 March at Andap National High School evacuation center in case of a medical emergency. The Welfare Team provided psychological first aid to 62 adults and 88 children at Andap National High School evacuation center.

The PRC water tanker distributed 35,000 liters of water, benefiting 6,000 individuals sheltering in Manat Gymnasium, Andap National High School, and New Leyte Elementary School, Maco. The PRC coordinates its response with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region XI and the Davao De Oro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The Region XI OCD declared a red alert after the series of earthquakes hit Davao De Oro from 01 February this year.

Philippine Red Cross receives Php 2.5 million from the Senate of the Philippines to aid earthquake-stricken Türkiye

Written on March 9, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Eyren Akyol earlier made a request to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for assistance in the donation efforts for the earthquake-stricken country. In response to this request, the PRC resolutely appealed to Filipinos to help the Turkish survivors. PRC Chairman and CEO and former Senator Richard J. Gordon personally appealed to his former colleagues at the Senate to donate to Türkiye.

On 07 March, the Senate of the Philippines, led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, responded to the call and donated Php2.5 million to aid the people affected by the earthquake in Türkiye. The senators used their personal resources and chose to course their donations through the PRC. Gordon received the check at a turnover ceremony at the Senate.

“Any form of donations to Türkiye is critical, especially during this time as the country is still experiencing winter conditions. We will immediately turn over the donation of the Senate of the Philippines to the Turkish Red Crescent to help aid our sisters and brothers in Türkiye. Our collective effort to send help is an important gesture to show our solidarity and sympathy to the people of Türkiye,” said Gordon.

On 06 March, the PRC shipped the 100 generators donated by SM Foundation to Türkiye. The SM Foundation also sent their Php5 million donation to Türkiye-Syria through the PRC.

On 15 February, the House of Representatives also sought the assistance of the PRC to send their Php10 million donation to Türkiye; the amount is much larger than the senators’ donation, as the House has more members than the Senate.

The PRC donated US$100,000 each to Türkiye and Syria immediately after impact and shipped almost 300 winter tents to Türkiye.

Gordon: Filipinos not mere spectators; PRC to send more aid to Türkiye and Syria amidst logistical barriers

Written on March 2, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is exerting all efforts to overcome logistical barriers and will send more humanitarian aid to Türkiye and Syria anytime this week, barring any logistical, or shipping, issues, according to PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon.

Gordon shared that the premier humanitarian organization in the country will send around 1,000 sleeping kits, 200 generator sets, and 150 portable toilets to people affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

Gordon added that Filipinos demonstrate compassion to those in need even when they themselves are in need. The PRC is currently responding to people affected by the earthquake in Davao De Oro.

“The Filipinos are not mere spectators. When others are hurting, we should help – that is the Filipino way,” Gordon said. He shared that as a member of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the PRC has donated more than US$3 million to other countries’ disaster responses over the years.

Earlier this month, PRC sent $US100,000 each to Türkiye and Syria to help with rescue and relief operations. PRC sent almost 300 winter tents to Türkiye, Gordon added.

Immediately after the earthquake struck Türkiye and Syria, Gordon started asking his personal friends to donate through the PRC. The PRC also launched an appeal to the public for donations. Metrobank, BPI, PNB, PBCom, Land Bank, BDO, Security Bank, AUB, and UnionBank are accepting donations on behalf of the PRC.

The embassies of Türkiye and Syria have designated the PRC as a collection point for in-kind donations.

To know how to donate to people affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, go to https://redcross.org.ph/appeal-turkey-syria-quake/.

PH Red Cross set to send 228 winter tents to help warm quake victims in Türkiye

Written on February 18, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

After a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Türkiye and Syria on 06 February, thousands of houses and buildings were reduced to rubble, forcing displaced people to huddle in tents to stay warm. To further support the relief operations in the two quake-hit countries, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon directed the shipment of 228 winter tents to Türkiye.

The 228 tents from the PRC warehouse in Mandaue City, Cebu will be shipped tomorrow, 18 February, to Manila en route to Türkiye. The winter tents will provide temporary shelter and help warm the quake victims in Türkiye as the country is still experiencing winter conditions. This initiative is in addition to the financial aid amounting to US$100, 000 the PRC allocated to each of Türkiye and Syria.

“We at the Philippine Red Cross will continue to communicate with our Turkish and Syrian counterparts under the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to monitor the further humanitarian needs of our brothers and sisters. Aid is on the way,” said Chairman Gordon.

Aside from the mentioned humanitarian assistance, Chairman Gordon has quietly been calling personal friends, PRC board members, and partner companies to provide assistance for earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria.

PH Red Cross intensifies water distribution in earthquake-hit Abra, Ilocos Sur over the weekend

Written on August 11, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) intensified its water distribution and hygiene promotion in communities with limited to no supply of clean water in earthquake-hit Abra and Ilocos Sur over the weekend.

“Walang humpay ang pagtulong ng ating mga volunteers at staff sa Red Cross upang maihatid lamang ang malinis na tubig na pangunahing pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan na tinamaan ng magnitude 7.0 na lindol at aftershocks nito,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

Last Saturday, August 6, a PRC water tanker distributed 19,000 liters of water in Santa, Ilocos Sur: 10,000 liters to 101 families, or 303 individuals, in Brgy. Calongbuyan, 4,000 liters to 42 families, or 204 individuals, in Brgy. Rancho, and 5,000 liters to 61 families, or 302 individuals, in Brgy. Casiber.

Simultaneously, another PRC water tanker distributed 18,000 liters of water in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur: 3,000 to 34 families, or 172 individuals, in Brgy. Pandayan and 15,000 to 149 families, or 592 individuals in Brgy. Villamar. Meanwhile, another PRC water tanker distributed 10,000 liters of water in Poblacion, Lagangilang and 5,000 in Brgy. South Calaba, Bangued.

Yesterday, August 7, the PRC Abra Chapter also distributed 10,000 liters of water to 89 families in Brgy. Budac, Tayum, 6,000 liters of waters to 67 families in Brgy. South Calaba, Bangued, and 6,000 L to 59 families in Brgy. North Calaba, Bangued.

As of August 7, the PRC has distributed 235,500 liters of water in Ilocos Sur and 319,965 liters of water in Abra.

“Narito pa rin ang Red Cross simula noong tumama ang malakas na lindol. Hindi natin iiwan ang ating mga kababayan hanggang matiyak natin na ang bawat apektadong tahanan ay may malinis na tubig at iba pang pangangailangan,” Chairman Gordon assured.

Philippine Red Cross water distribution in quake-hit Northern Luzon in full swing

Written on August 4, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

As of August 2, 2022, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has distributed 201,427 liters of water, benefiting 2,212 families, or 5,571 persons, among other humanitarian aid, in Abra and Ilocos Sur, the provinces most affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Northern Luzon on July 27.

The PRC deployed five water tankers to North Luzon to reach the municipalities most in need of help. The water tankers supply the disaster-affected populations’ drinking water and household, sanitation and hygiene needs. They come with a filtration system, storage water bladders, and water taps. Sanitation engineers and trained personnel manage the drawing of water from local water sources.

As of date, the PRC has 28 water tankers and 17 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) hubs equipped with 30 water treatment units, trained volunteers and staff, and hygiene promotion materials. “Ang tubig ay isa sa pangunahing pangangailangan ng mga tao matapos ang impact ng lindol, dahil maaaring masira ang water sources. Ang Red Cross ay may mga water tanker sa aming regional hubs na nakahandang ipadala sa mga lugar na naapektuhan ng lindol,” Chairman Gordon said.

A usual consequence of an earthquake is damage to water distribution systems. Water districts or water distribution companies may not be able to meet the demand for water in the aftermath of an earthquake. PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon foresaw this need and initiated the humanitarian organization’s acquisition of water tankers to enable it to continually provide clean and safe water to the most vulnerable during disasters and emergencies.

Gordon underscores need for enough blood supply during disasters

Written on August 4, 2022. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon underscored the need for enough blood supply as the premier humanitarian organization responded to people in need of emergency medical care in earthquake-hit Abra. The PRC sufficiently met the blood supply needs of casualties immediately after the impact of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Northern Luzon on July 27.

Chairman Gordon said that the foremost humanitarian organization in the country has enough blood supply for the needs of Abra, Ilocos Sur, and other areas affected by the quake. He added that Abra and Ilocos are major suppliers of blood. Chairman Gordon also assured the public that, “The PRC’s 102 blood service facilities nationwide are ready to assist in case of need.”

PRC reminded those who wish to donate blood of the qualifications: (1) Must be 16 to 65 years old, (2) Those who are 16 to 17 years old must have a written consent from a parent or guardian, (3) Must weigh at least 50 kilograms or 110 pounds, (4) Must have at least 5 hours of sleep the night before, (5) Must have no alcohol intake in the last 24 hours, and (6) Must have eaten before donating but without fatty food intake.

Female donors who have their monthly period may still donate blood, provided they pass the standard screening. A qualified person may donate blood every three months.

To request blood from the PRC, a hospital or doctor’s request must be presented. The PRC also delivers blood to decrease the transport expenses of those in need; they must send the blood request through Viber and submit the original to the person delivering the blood.

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

PH Red Cross provides psychological first aid to more than 700 following North Luzon earthquake

Written on August 1, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

Four days after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Northern Luzon, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided psychological first aid (PFA) to more than 700 persons in Abra and Ilocos Sur, 216 of them children. PFA is given by trained individuals to people who have just experienced a serious crisis event. The World Health Organization says it “involves humane, supportive and practical assistance for people who are distressed, in ways that respect their dignity, culture, and abilities.”

Trained PRC facilitators give PFA to children through activities that are appropriate to their age, such as games. PRC’s Welfare Services Team set up Child-Friendly Spaces (CFSs) in areas affected by hazard events as a standard component of PRC’s disaster responses. “Tinutugunan ng Red Cross hindi lang ang pisikal na pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayang naapektuhan ng malakas na lindol sa Northern Luzon kundi pati na rin ang kanilang mental health needs.”

The PRC continues to provide other much-needed aid to people affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Northern Luzon mid-morning of July 27. As of July 31, it has distributed around 16,000 liters of water through its water tankers, 3,180 hot meals, 1,200 bottles of water, 970 face masks, 762 hygiene kits, and 262 sleeping kits, among other forms of humanitarian aid.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that the 7.0 magnitude quake affected more than 1.7 million people in Abra, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Benguet, Baguio, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan-Dagupan, Aurora, Cagayan, and Nueva Ecija. More than 600 families, or around 3,000 persons, are still in evacuation centers. More than 4,500 houses were damaged.

Gordon sends Humanitarian Caravan to earthquake-hit Northwestern Luzon

Written on July 30, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), under the leadership of its Chairman and CEO, Richard J. Gordon, organized a humanitarian caravan to provide assistance to persons affected by the 7.0 Magnitude earthquake in Northwest Luzon last July 27, 2022. The caravan is composed of a 12,000-liter water tanker with a water tap stand set and 5,000-liter water bladders and a wing van transporting sleeping kits, jerry can water containers, tents, generators, rice, and masks. The rolling assets were expected to reach Abra by 2:00 am on 29 July.

Chairman Gordon is continuously monitoring the situation from the PRC National Headquarters and receiving regular reports from the PRC’s state-of-the-art Operations Center. “The Red Cross is always ready with pre-positioned supplies, assets, and life-saving equipment, because we know the value of being prepared. Thousands of volunteers are well-trained, highly dedicated, and committed to alleviating the suffering of the vulnerable, especially in the aftermath of disasters. You can always count on us,” declared Chairman Gordon.

The NDRRMC / OCD reported that there have been 887 aftershocks recorded in the past 36 hours, with more than 210 plotted and 24 actually felt. In Tayum, Abra, the highest magnitude of aftershock reached 5.0, which damaged 868 houses (857 partially and 11 totally). One hundred thirteen persons in CAR and 18 in the Ilocos region were injured; 1,222 families, or 5,799 individuals, are in 12 evacuation centers.

PRC volunteers on the ground at the Bangued, Abra Town Plaza assisted 47 persons with blood pressure monitoring, 27 for psychological first aid, and 2 for wounds cleaning and transporte

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