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)

Gordon calls on DPWH and local governments in areas affected by the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in North Luzon to assess all buildings for damages

Written on October 28, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

Following the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that hit Abra and contiguous provinces October 25 at 11:59 pm, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local governments to assess all buildings for possible damages.

“I would like to suggest to DPWH and the local governments that they check all the buildings, since they might cave in if their foundation was affected, to ensure that people will be safe.”

Gordon gave assurance that the foremost humanitarian organization in the country is ready to respond to people affected by the earthquake. PRC volunteers and staff are on the ground assessing the needs in coordination with local governments. He added that PRC is fine-tuning its volunteer system in the barangays so that cogent reports are transmitted to the PRC Operations Center right after the impact of any hazard event, to enable PRC to provide humanitarian assistance “just in time, on time, all the time.”

No casualties have been reported by the PRC chapters in Abra, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Cagayan, and Isabela as a result of the earthquake on October 25.

For emergencies, people may call Red Cross Hotline 143, or (02) 8790-2300.

Ilocos Sur Governor Singson expresses gratitude for PH Red Cross’s earthquake response in Ilocos Sur

Written on August 12, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

In the wake of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Northern Luzon on July 27, Ilocos Sur Governor Jeremias “Jerry” Singson expressed his “sincerest appreciation” for Philippine Red Cross’s (PRC) response operations in the province.

In a letter to PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon dated August 2, Gov. Singson, on behalf of the provincial government and his constituents, called the PRC’s humanitarian aid an “unselfish gesture.” He affirmed that the hot meals provided through PRC’s Hot Meals on Wheels, water distributed through PRC’s water tankers and water storage bladders, sleeping kits, hygiene kits, and tents alleviated the situation of those most severely affected by the major earthquake.

Gov. Singson added that the province is “humbled” to have the PRC in its support system “in these challenging times.” He assured Gordon that the PRC’s “acts of kindness largely benefited the people of Ilocos Sur” and “have provided great support” to the provincial government’s existing programs.

Gov. Singson concluded his letter by expressing gratitude to PRC on behalf of his constituents for “making a difference in the lives of our kakailian [kababayan in Ilocano].”

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 reaches out to children in Santa town, Ilocos Sur with Child-Friendly Space, other services

Written on August 3, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

Five days after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit North Luzon, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) immediately provided a Child-Friendly Space, where over 90 children participated in different activities designed as psychological first aid (PFA), such as a clowns’ and magicians’ show, in the municipality of Santa, Ilocos Sur, August 1. Overall, 323 children received PFA in Ilocos Sur.

“Bukod sa mga nasirang kabahayan at kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan, naapektuhan din ang ating mga kabataan dahil nanatili sa kanila ang takot dulot ng malakas na lindol. Laging handa ang trained volunteers and staff ng Red Cross upang tulungan ang ating mga kabataan sa aspetong ito ng kanilang kalusugan,” Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said.

Aside from the Child-Friendly Space, the PRC distributed hygiene kits and 10,000 liters of water to 103 families or 317 individuals in Santa, served hot meals to 350 persons, and provided health services to 67. To protect the community against COVID-19, the PRC also distributed 800 face masks and 50 pieces of COVID-19 leaflets.

Present during the distribution of services in Santa were Mayor Jesus Bueno Jr., Barangay Tabucolan Captain Armando Baguyo, and personnel from the Social Welfare and Development Office, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection.

The PRC continues to provide other much-needed aid to people affected by the earthquake in Abra and Ilocos Sur, the hardest hit provinces. As of August 1, it has distributed 148,649 liters of water through its water tankers, 6,155 hot meals, 2,341 face masks, 1,250 COVID-19 leaflets, 868 hygiene kits, 662 packs of bread, 264 sleeping kits, and 33 tents, among other humanitarian aid.

“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ating pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan sa Abra at Ilocos Sur, na syang lubos na naapektuhan ng lindol at aftershocks nito. Laging maaasahan ang Red Cross sa ganitong uri ng sakuna,” Chairman Gordon assured.

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

PH Red Cross intensifies response operations after magnitude 7.0 earthquake hits Northwestern Luzon

Written on July 29, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, intensified its response operations to aid affected individuals, as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported a major Magnitude (Mw) 7.0 earthquake that hit the provinces in northwestern Luzon and adjacent areas, including Metro Manila, July 27.

The earthquake damaged 868 houses (857 partially and 11 totally) and affected 1,748,258 individuals in Abra, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Benguet, and La Union. 1,222 families and 5,799 individuals have sought shelter in 12 evacuation centers.

In response, PRC immediately dispatched 7 ambulance units in Abra (1), Ilocos Sur (2) and mobilized units coming from Baguio (1), Quezon City (2), and Rizal and Makati (1). 3 Welfare Desks were set up in Abra (2) and Ilocos Sur (1). 27 individuals in Abra and Ilocos Sur received Psychosocial First Aid.

The PRC also distributed 1,200 pieces of bottled water, 46 sleeping kits, 176 food items (standard), 666 hygiene kits, and 720 face masks in Abra and Ilocos Sur.

“Simula noong Miyerkules, mabilis ang naging aksyon ng Red Cross para tulungan ang ating mga kababayan. Patuloy tayong maghahatid ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan na naapektuhan ng nagdaang lindol. Hindi natin sila iiwan hanggang matiyak natin na sila’y ligtas,” Chairman Gordon said.

“Bilang pangunahing humanitarian organization sa bansa, ang Red Cross ay umaapela sa mga mamamayan na mag-donate upang mas marami pa tayong maitulong sa ating mga kababayang naapektuhan,” Chairman Gordon added.

For monetary and in-kind donations, email Shervi Mae Corpuz, Events & Emergency Giving Officer at [email protected] or call (02) 87902413 (direct line)/09178348378.

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