Philippine Red Cross

Gordon deploys Bakuna Bus in Zamboanga City

Written on May 5, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

Supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Sen. Dick Gordon ordered the quick deployment of Bakuna Bus to help the government in its vaccination program in Zamboanga City last May 2, 2022.

“Patuloy na maglilingkod ang PRC para sa mga kapatid natin sa Zamboanga City at iba pang karatig probinsiya dito sa Mindanao. Sa katunayan, walang humpay ang deployment ng ating Bakuna Buses upang makamit natin ang herd immunity sa lalong madaling panahon. Taos-pusong pasasalamat sa ICRC para sa agarang tulong upang maisakatuparan natin ang ganitong gawain,” Sen. Gordon said.

Since the pilot deployment in Mindanao on April 14, 2022, the PRC Bakuna Buses have already served around 1,000 individuals, including those in Manolo, Fortich, and Impasug-ong, Bukidnon and Malalag, Kiblawan, and Hagonoy, Davao del Sur.

The PRC, aiming to provide an efficient mobile COVID-19 vaccination program, designed every Bakuna Bus’s interior with facilities following the vaccine administration protocols, COVID-19 vaccines and other supplies, and space for vaccinators, volunteers, and staff. Besides administering COVID-19 vaccines through these Bakuna Buses, the PRC aimed to educate its target communities in Mindanao about the importance of participating in the organization’s vaccination programs to achieve herd immunity amidst the pandemic.

The PRC has recorded 1,158,745 vaccination doses with 20 Bakuna Buses deployed in different areas in the Philippines.

Philippine Red Cross grants multipurpose cash assistance to people affected by TS Agaton in Capiz

Written on May 2, 2022. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) granted much-needed cash assistance to 333 families affected by Tropical Storm Agaton in Barangays Ambilay, Cabugao, and Cabangahan in the municipality of Panitan, Capiz. The tropical storm caused flooding and landslides in four cities and 77 municipalities across the country in April.

The PRC intends the cash grant of Php5,000.00 per family, or Php1,665,000.00, to be multipurpose, which means it should help meet whatever the beneficiaries’ needs are. The cash grant is part of the Forecast-Based Financing Project, a partnership among the Philippine Red Cross, the German Red Cross, and the Finnish Red Cross.

PRC Board of Governors member Francis Joseph J. Jalandoni, together with 72 volunteers and staff from various PRC services and teams, took charge of the relief operations. Fifteen members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team and six police officers ensured peace and order during the event.

PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard ‘Dick’ J. Gordon reassured those who were made vulnerable by TS Agaton that the Red Cross will continue to provide assistance until they are able to recover. “Gaya ng dati, nandito ang Red Cross para alalayan ang ating mga kababayan hanggang sa sila ay maka-recover,” Chairman Gordon said.

From April 7 to May 1, the PRC also served hot meals to 13,548 individuals and distributed 621,760 liters of water to populations affected by TS Agaton in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, General Santos City, Hilongos, Iloilo, Leyte, Maguindanao, Negros Occidental, Ormoc, Passi City, Sorsogon, Southern Leyte, and Surigao del Norte. It gave food items to 1,333 families and psychosocial first aid to 757 adults and 371 children. Its emergency response unit helped evacuate 67 individuals and rescued another 99. PRC volunteers and staff provided emergency medical services, hygiene education, and PPEs. They also helped some local government units in distributing their relief items.

Philippine Red Cross responds to 315 motorcycle riders figuring in road accidents from January to April this year

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

motorcycle rider treated for his wounds by Red Cross EMS Team

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) emergency medical services (EMS) responded to 315 motorcycle riders who figured in an accident from January to April this year, 101 of whom were in Metro Manila. Two hundred fifty of the patients were transported to hospitals, while 65 were treated by emergency medical technicians. The safety of motorcycle riders is one of the advocacies of the PRC, under the leadership of its chairman and CEO, Senator Richard “Dick” J. Gordon, who led the transformation of PRC’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from a “one and a half ambulance vehicle” operation into what it is today.

Ang Red Cross ay laging handang rumesponde sa ating mga kababayan sa kanilang medical emergency,” Chairman Gordon said. The PRC EMS consisted of one ambulance vehicle that was in good working condition and one that worked only half the time when Gordon became chairman in 2004.

Today, PRC has EMS units across its chapters throughout the country.

The PRC EMS deploys emergency medical services units, which consist of emergency medical technicians on board ambulance vehicles, to provide on-scene patient care and treatment and transport to medical facilities. From January to April this year, the PRC EMS has responded to 2,579 incidents, 2,094 of which were free, while 485 were paid. These responses involved 3,435 patients, of whom 1,420 were transported. Of those who were transported, 1,118 availed of the service for free, while 302 opted to pay.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic accidents. It added that 20 to 50 million persons more are injured, with some acquiring disability.

Philippine Red Cross starts administering second Covid-19 booster shots to the elderly, immunocompromised

Written on April 28, 2022. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

Diabetes patient Nicanor Viray, 85 years old, gets his Covid-19 second booster shot at the Philippine Red Cross.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) started administering second booster shots of Covid-19 vaccines today, April 27, 2022, in Mandaluyong City, to the elderly and the immunocompromised. The Philippines’ Department of Health announced last April 13, 2022 that the Food and Drug Administration has approved the administration of Covid-19 second booster shots to the elderly, the immunocompromised, and frontline health workers.

PRC Chairman and CEO, Senator Richard “Dick” J. Gordon, advised the immunocompromised who are fully vaccinated and have the first booster shot to get the second booster shot if the required time interval has lapsed. “Hinihikayat ko ang ating mga kababayan na immunocompromised na fully vaccinated at may first booster shot na kumuha ng second booster shot sa akmang panahon,” Chairman Gordon said.

The spouses Ninfa and Nicanor Viray, who are both elderly and immunocompromised, had their second booster shots at the PRC today. Ms. Viray, 84 years old, is a cancer patient who just had a mastectomy. Mr. Viray, 85 years old, is a diabetes patient. They both had their first booster in December 2021. The second booster shot against Covid-19 is given at

least four months after the first booster shot, but the interval could be earlier for other patients if prescribed by a doctor.

“That we’ll be more protected from more severe symptoms owing to our age. We’d like to be as protected as possible, considering that sometimes we are also compelled to go out of the house to buy some basic needs,” was Ms. Viray’s answer when asked what she hoped the second booster shot would do. She added that getting the second booster shot is part of their taking care of themselves, because their decisions about their health affect the rest of the family.

When asked how they would encourage other members of the elderly population to get vaccinated, Ms. Viray says she would show them how she and her husband have relative capacity to still enjoy life, because they can be mobile and interact with people with confidence despite their advanced years. Mr. Viray shares that his style is personal; he talks to his friends about the benefits of getting vaccinated.

Ms. Viray says they try to observe all the health protocols as much as possible, because they don’t want to abuse the new lease on life they are enjoying because of the protection that the vaccines give. Mr. Viray attests that since he got vaccinated, he has felt more assured that he is protected. The couple is keen on doing their share in educating the community about the collective nature and solution to the Covid-19 public health emergency.

The PRC’s vaccination efforts are part of its mandate as auxiliary to the government in its humanitarian tasks. The PRC started administering Covid-19 vaccines in March 2021. To date, it has administered 1,153,200 doses of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters through its Bakuna Centers, Bakuna Teams, and Bakuna Buses nationwide. It has fully vaccinated 367,985 individuals.

Philippine Red Cross intensifies TD Agaton operations in Baybay, other affected areas

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

Under the direction of its Chairman and CEO, Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continued its response to TD Agaton in Baybay City and other severely affected areas in Visayas and Mindanao, providing search and rescue, emergency medical services, drinking water and hot meals, and psychosocial first aid. As of April 13, 2022, 108 volunteers and staff are still on the ground for PRC’s TD Agaton operations.

“It should not be a forgotten disaster. The magnitude of the calamity does not matter. Red Cross responds to people in emergencies everywhere,” Chairman Gordon said.

PRC first responders have rescued 25 individuals in Barangay Loctogan, Roxas City, Capiz from rising floodwaters. The teams have assisted 41 persons in Davao de Oro and Leyte to evacuate and 13 residents from Sitio Seguinon, Barangay Libertad, Ormoc City who were forced to evacuate.

The ambulance teams in General Santos City, Leyte, Davao De Oro, Sorsogon, Surigao Del Norte, and Passi City have served 535 individuals, who had their blood pressure taken. Five persons received emergency medical treatment. Six first-aid stations have been set up in Sorsogon, Surigao del Norte, and Negros Occidental. The ambulance teams deployed in Baybay City stand ready to transport patients from lower- to higher-level hospitals as needed.

The PRC teams have distributed hot meals to 7,204 individuals in General Santos City, Davao De Oro, Southern Leyte, Sorsogon, Ormoc City, Leyte, Hilongos, Negros Occidental, Passi City, Iloilo City, and Capiz. Ready-to-eat meals were distributed to 100 persons in Leyte. Bottled water were given to 197 individuals in Surigao del Norte and Leyte.

The PRC water tanker has distributed 620 liters of water in Leyte. Hand sanitizers were also given to 97 residents of Surigao del Norte.

The welfare teams have provided psychosocial first aid (PFA) to 440 adults in General Santos City, Leyte, and Passi City and child-friendly activities designed as PFA for 27 children in General Santos City. Welfare desks have been set up in Sorsogon and Surigao del Norte.

Local governments in Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Maguindanao have also tapped PRC volunteers and staff to help them distribute food packs, to 7,116 families and meals, to 664 persons.

PRC has deployed three rescue boats, three ambulance units, one water tanker, two mobile kitchens, two service vehicles, one pick-up truck, and one Land Cruiser.

Philippine Red Cross continues TD Agaton Operations

Written on April 13, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Sen. Richard “Dick” J. Gordon sent two humanitarian caravans to bring aid to families affected by Tropical Depression Agaton in Ajuy, Iloilo and Baybay City, Leyte today.

Starting from the Philippine Red Cross Iloilo Chapter base, the caravan to Ajuy consists of one PRC Hot Meals on Wheels, or a mobile kitchen; one pick-up truck; one Land Cruiser; one rescue boat; and 10 volunteers and staff.

The caravan bound for Baybay, which set off from the PRC chapter in Southern Leyte, is composed of a water tanker, an ambulance, a PRC Hot Meals on Wheels, and 10 volunteers and staff. The Southern Leyte Chapter is the third contingent PRC has sent to Baybay; the first two came from Leyte and Ormoc City Chapters.

As of 7:00 am today, PRC has distributed hot meals to 2,864 individuals in various locations affected by TD Agaton through its Hot Meals on Wheels program. Trained PRC staff have also provided psychosocial first aid (PFA) to 69 persons and child-friendly activities designed as PFA to 27 girls and boys. PRC emergency medical services personnel have served 413 persons, who had their blood pressure taken, and five, who received emergency medical treatment.

Some local government units have also tapped PRC volunteers and staff to assist them in distributing food packs, to 6,844 families, and meals, to 664 persons.

Philippine Red Cross deploys 20th Bakuna Bus

Written on April 8, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) now has 20 Bakuna buses, the latest of which is currently deployed in Pangasinan and is supported by the Coca-Cola Foundation.

The PRC Bakuna Bus is a bus whose interior is set up with facilities for administering vaccines, Covid-19 vaccines and supplies, and space for vaccinators. It is PRC’s way of bringing the vaccines and information to the people, assuaging their hesitations to get vaccinated.

“Patuloy ang ating laban sa Covid-19 sa pamamagitan ng bakuna at RT-PCR tests. Hindi titigil ang Red Cross na gawin ang dapat gawin upang marating ang herd immunity,” the PRC Chairman and CEO, Senator Dick Gordon, said.

Also dubbed “Health on Wheels,” the Bakuna Bus will provide a mobile Covid-19 vaccination capability in Pangasinan, initially to the fourth district, specifically to the municipalities of San Fabian, Mangaldan, San Jacinto, and Rosales.

Philippine Red Cross Health Caravan reaches Galas, Quezon City

Written on March 31, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Health Caravan reached Barangay San Isidro in Galas, Quezon City on March 27, 2022, and was able to serve 381 patients who came for treatment during the day.

A tri-partnership between the PRC, local governments, and together with beauty expert Ricky Reyes, the caravan is part of the PRC’s efforts to bring health services directly to the people, especially now that COVID restrictions on mobility and mass gatherings have been lifted. The caravan traveled to Rizal, Quezon City, Pasig, and Marikina from March 21 to 27, 2022.

Residents of Barangay San Isidro availed themselves of health consultations and free health kits (189 patients), health and hygiene education (93 clients), first aid training (18 trainees), COVID-19 vaccinations (12 persons), and blood glucose testing (54 patients). Hot meals were also served to those present.

“Patuloy na makikipag-ugnayan ang Philippine Red Cross sa LGUs [local government units] para makarating ang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Dick Gordon said.

PRC readies for TS Ramon impact

Written on November 18, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has deployed ambulances and welfare desks to the provinces in Northern Luzon as ordered by Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, in preparation for the Tropical Storm (TS) Ramon with an international name Kalmaegi.

Relief necessities such as food items, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, sleeping mats, sleeping kits (blankets, mosquito nets, and plastic mats), tarpaulins, and jerry cans are set for rapid transportation and distribution to give aid to possible affected families in the Northern part of the country. Hot meals are also ready to be prepared and served.

“PRC staff and volunteers are on standby and ready to provide assistance to our fellowmen who will be hit by Tropical Storm Ramon”, said Chairman Gordon.

PRC Northern Luzon Chapters (Abra, Apayao, Aurora, Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Kalingaand Nueva Vizcaya) have activated Red Cross 143 volunteers and Red Cross Action Team (RCAT) and are on a 24-hour duty (shifting schedule) in their respective chapters monitoring updates regarding TS Ramon, ready to be deployed.

Payloader prepositioned in Nueva Vizcaya and other search and rescue teams with equipment are also on standby in anticipation of the possible effects of the storm.

Tropical Storm Ramon has a maximum sustained wind of 85 kilometer per hour and gustiness of up to 105 kilometer per hour. It is expected to make a landfall in Northern Cagayan between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

Red Cross, Modess to educate 500,000 students on menstrual hygiene

Written on September 6, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has advanced farther in its goal of breaking boundaries among girls and young women who experience challenges posed by social stereotypes and misconception on menstruation.

PRC and Johnson and Johnson, the company behind Modess, officially launched a partnership that aims to reach out to 500,000 students from over 400 schools nationwide by educating them on proper menstrual hygiene.

“Young women experience difficulties because of lack of knowledge on menstrual hygiene. It bars them from doing what they have to do. Children often skip classes because they are scared of being teased. It is important that everyone will be properly educated—boys and girls alike,” PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla said.

Under the partnership, PRC and Modess will visit schools to hold dialogues and activities to create normalcy and supportive environment for women and girls.

Among the challenges that will be addressed are lack of information, cultural taboos, and anxiety.

“It is our duty to help people understand menstruation. Our partnership with PRC aims to end stigma that had haunted women for years. Together, we want girls to be comfortable,” Raghu Krishnan, President and Managing Director of Johnson and Johnson, said.

The partnership launch was part of Modess’ Move Camp 2019, a gathering of young Filipinos who call for an end to stigma, led by celebrity ambassadors Maymay Entrata, Bella Racelis, Hazel Quing, Kianna Dy, Jai Asuncion, and Agassi Ching.

PRC, through its Water Sanitation and Hygiene Unit, has been actively promoting menstrual hygiene management in schools, communities, and disaster-stricken areas.

Last May, PRC conducted nationwide community-based activities that highlight the need for collaborative action to mainstream menstrual education.

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