Philippine Red Cross

PRC aids nearly 13,000 during election day

Written on May 16, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) brought aid to a total of 12,766 individuals during the National and Local Elections, including those who needed to be transported due to fainting and suspected stroke.

PRC set up 310 first aid stations and 158 welfare desks, which helped ensure the safety and well-being of thousands of Filipino voters.

“To vote is one of the duties of each and every Filipino. To serve the people is the duty of the Philippine Red Cross staff and volunteers. As our fellow Filipinos were busy casting their votes, PRC staff and volunteers were also very much occupied attending to the needs of our fellowmen. Our staff and volunteers have intense compassion to the most vulnerable,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said.

A total of 2,000 staff and volunteers were deployed, while 150 ambulances were mobilized and put on standby.

Throughout the day, PRC provided blood pressure monitoring to 12,535 persons to ensure their well-being following the long queues at voting precincts.

Staff and volunteers provided first aid to 132 patients who experienced minor cases, such as dizziness, abrasion, open wound, fever, cramps, burns, hyperventilation and body weakness.

A total of 19 persons were treated for breathing difficulties, seizure, numbness, and blurred vision, while nine patients were transported to hospitals for additional medical care.

PRC also setup welfare desks, which provided psychosocial support and referral service to 65 people and provided wheelchair assistance to six voters.

In San Juan, a PRC volunteer carries a 96-year-old voter up to the third floor in San Juan Elementary School.

In Baguio, in a non-election related incident, PRC together with Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) rescued and provided first aid treatment to a patient who suffered chemical inhalation and suffocation while painting a water tank. He was then transported to the nearest hospital for further medical attention.

The Philippine Red Cross is noted for excellence in giving first aid treatment and providing blood. It is equally noted for excellence in disaster relief, psychosocial and other humanitarian services. It is the foremost humanitarian organization in the country. All this is in keeping with its mantra: Volunteers + logistics + information technology = always first, always ready, always there.

Summary of Assistance:

Total patients catered: 2019: 12,766 persons

Total patients catered: 2016: 11,817 persons

Breakdown as follows: Blood pressure monitoring –12,535 persons Transported to medical facilities – 9 persons (fainting, suspected stroke, stomach pain) Major case- 19 persons (elevated blood pressure, difficulty of breathing, seizure, numbness, blurred vision)

Minor case- 132 persons (dizziness, abrasion, open wound, fever, cramps, burns, hyperventilation, body weakness) Welfare- 71 persons (55 Psychosocial support, 10 referral, 6 wheelchair assistance)

Assets deployed:

150 ambulances

158 welfare desks

310 first aid stations

42 emergency vehicles

PRC all set for 2019 National and Local Elections

Written on May 10, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will mobilize 150 ambulances and 2000 staff and volunteers all over the country for the 2019 National and local midterm elections in pursuit of its objective to safeguard its countrymen.

“We want to make sure that each and every citizen of the Philippines is safe and sound while exercising their right to vote. To secure their well-being, we will put up first aid stations, welfare desks, emergency vehicles and mobile units (roving teams) in schools and local chapters duty during the election day. In PRC our mantra is volunteers + logistics + information technology = always first, always ready, always there. PRC is committed in providing services for the interest of mankind,” said Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman and CEO of PRC.

The Philippine Red Cross will set up 310 first aid stations and 158 welfare desks, will deploy and standby 150 ambulances and 42 emergency vehicles in strategic areas.

PRC assisted more than 11,000 people during the 2016 National Election.

Philippine Red Cross stands as a “voluntary, independent and autonomous non-governmental society auxiliary to the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in the humanitarian field.”

Since its founding 72 years ago, PRC has been serving humanity. The organization provides services in the areas of disaster management, blood collection and dispensing, welfare, safety, health and hygiene. It also maintains a corps of volunteers and trained youth.

For emergency and any untoward incidents, contact our 24/7 Operations Center. Dial 143 or 790-23-00 for assistance.

Gordon, Red Cross brace for new services; Honors humanitarian partners

Written on May 10, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is exploring new programs and services to address the humanitarian challenges in the country, especially in the area of health.

Chairman Richard Gordon revealed plans to enhance its newly opened Dialysis Center to accommodate more patients.

“We are planning on strengthening our Dialysis Center so more poor Filipinos can acquire affordable and adequate dialysis treatments,” Gordon said.

He added that the Red Cross is also looking at opening a diagnostics center to provide access to quality healthcare to the poor.

“Ito ay para makakuha ng diagnostics services ang mga mahihirap gaya ng CT scan at ICU. We got into different services because the humanitarian challenges in this country require us to be dynamic. This is why we opened our first Dialysis Center because it is hard to say no to the most vulnerable,” Gordon said.

As of today, the Dialysis Center, which had its soft opening last February, has now provided 14 patients with 350 dialysis treatments.

Gordon made the statement during the joint celebration of the 72nd anniversary of PRC and the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, where the organization recognized its partners for their contribution to the organization’s services.

The Silver Humanitarian Service Cross Award is given to Chinese General Hospital President and PRC Governor James Dy for consistently supporting the organization’s programs in on various occasions.

During the measles outbreak when Metro Manila hospitals were badly in need of space for patient care, PRC set up field medical units using beds and mattresses donated by Governor James Dy.

The Aurora Aragon Quezon Medal Award, which was named after the first chairman of PRC, was awarded to former President Fidel V. Ramos; Michael Chen, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Minavida de Mindanao Corporation; Clement Yang, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Medtecs International Corporation Ltd.; and Vicente Cuevas III, president of CAMJ Construction Inc.

Ramos was given recognition for actively promoting voluntary blood donation including his own regular donation. Through his pronouncements, he helped ensure adequate blood supply in the country. Cheng and Cuevas provided aircraft services to enable PRC to deliver timely services during disasters and emergencies, while Yang provided linens for the organization’s measles crisis operations, as well as body bags which made management of the remains of those who perished in the aftermath of Yolanda more humane.

“No person was ever honored for what he received, but for what he gives,” said Dy, quoting Calvin Coolidge as he shared his experience and inspiration in doing humanitarian work with for PRC. “I would like to thank Gordon for bringing me here to PRC. Thank you for your trust.”

During the occasion, PRC also recognized over 400 staff members and officers who have served the organization for five to 42 years.

IN PHOTOS

World Red Cross Day: PRC salutes volunteers, partners’ love for humanity

Written on May 9, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The volunteers and staff of the Philippine Red Cross are celebrating the humanitarian organization’s unique relationship with communities across the Philippines, the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.

Sen. Richard Gordon, PRC Chairman and CEO, said the volunteers and staff are hard at work every day to address the needs of people hit by disasters and emergencies.

“To our kababayans, let us all thank the unsung heroes of our country—the Red Cross volunteers—and work hand in hand with them to help build resilience in most vulnerable communities. Today, we celebrate the difference they make. Responding to catastrophes of all kinds, changing the lives of the people they serve and helping people to live safely and with dignity,” Gordon said.

This year’s World RCRC Day carries the theme “Love”—honoring the bravery and achievements of volunteers and staff, whose life-saving and life-changing services ensure that we keep our commitment to humanity every day.

The 156th World RCRC Day coincides with the extended celebration 72nd anniversary of the PRC with the theme, “Resilience,” which recognizes staff and volunteers’ commitment to help people to prepare for, cope with, and recover from a disaster or crisis.

PRC extends humanitarian services to millions of Filipinos every year with a diverse range of services tailored to the needs of communities across the Philippines. PRC’s major services are Disaster Management, Blood, Safety, Welfare, Health, and Red Cross Youth.

“Whether natural or human-made disasters, armed conflict or health and social care issues, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff are there to help, without any discrimination,” Gordon said.

PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla said: “The Red Cross has been serving the people of the Philippines even before it was formally established in 1947. “We are everywhere for everyone. This is our commitment to you and our commitment to humanity.”

PRC as partner of choice

The joint celebration of the PRC anniversary and the World RCRC Day also honors partners who supported the organization’s programs and operations.

The Aurora Aragon Quezon Award will once again be bestowed to five volunteer partners who showed exceptional dedication to the causes of PRC. The awardees are:

• Former President Fidel Ramos – For actively promoting voluntary blood donation during and after his presidency

• Dr. James Dy, President of Chinese General Hospital – For supporting the PRC’s programs, including his recent donation of beds and mattresses to be used in measles care units

• Michael Chen, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Minavida de Mindanao Corporation – For providing free aircraft services, which contributed to PRC’s effort to deliver timely services in disaster-stricken services

• Vicente Cuevas – For providing free aircraft services on several occasions, such as for PRC’s operations in Ompong-hit communities

• Clement Yang – For providing fast and effective assistance, especially for PRC’s Haiyan operations and Measles crisis response

A posthumous award is also awarded to businessman Dominic Sytin, who donated a firetruck, a water tanker, and an ambulance, which are now being used to address the needs in local communities.

PRC as a donor National Society

The Philippine Red Cross helps all nations, equally showing and giving love around the world. Following the earthquake in Nepal in 2015, PRC sent emergency response personnel and medical doctors and nurses to assist Nepal Red Cross’ operations.

As a donor society, PRC has sent more than US $2.5 million in donations to some of the biggest calamities:

2005

• US $25,000 – Hurricane Katrina

2006

• US $10,000 – Earthquake, Pakistan

• US $85,000 – Indonesia, two years after it was struck by Tsunami

2008

• US $20,000 – Earthquake, Sichuan, China

• US $15,000 – Cyclone Nargis, Myanmar

2011

• US $2.4 million – Aid to Japan after a powerful Tsunami

2014

• US $25,000 – Armed conflict, Gaza

2015

• US $37,000 – Nepal Earthquake

About the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are as diverse as the life-saving and life-changing services they provide through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: 190 National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

In 2019, National Societies around the world celebrate 100 years of the IFRC, which was founded by the Red Cross societies of France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan and the United States of America. IFRC – originally known as the League of Red Cross Societies, was created to preserve, share and promote the expertise and knowledge gained during humanitarian responses to the First World War and the Spanish Flu epidemic. A century later, the IFRC network has 190 National Societies with even more in the future.

PRC salutes blood donation partners anew

Written on May 2, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

PRC has been known for its commitment to save lives—and one of the ways to save life is to provide blood to someone who needs it. Holding a bloodletting event is a great way to collect blood.

Thus, this April, which is a lean month for blood donations, the Philippine Red Cross held various bloodletting activities in cooperation with Dunkin Donuts, Radio Mindanao Network Foundation and Energy FM 106.7. A total of 213 units of blood were collected from different donors.

“I am very thankful to our blood partners and donors for their continuous support for our blood programs. Through their help, we can keep up with the increasing demand for blood. Blood is essential to life,” said PRC Chairman Richard Gordon.

PRC blood collection is a meticulous process from education and recruitment of donors, actual collection, blood testing, preparing blood products and quality assurance. This ensures that available blood is safe for transfusion.

“A blood donation by one person can save up to four lives,” said PRC National Blood Services Director Dr. Christie Monina M. Nalupta during her interview with RMN-DZXL 558.

Qualified blood donors receive a donor’s card, refreshments, small tokens and a heartfelt thank you.

The Philippine Red Cross has 89 blood service facilities all over the country. Through PRC, blood is within everybody’s reach—from Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao.

For blood donations and other blood concerns, dial 143 or 790-23-00.

Red Cross joins search and rescue in Porac; appeals to take earthquake drills seriously

Written on April 23, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) deployed manpower and rescue vehicles to assist in the search and rescue operations in a collapsed supermarket in Porac, Pampanga following the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that hit parts of Luzon on Monday.

Data from the PRC Operations Center shows that as of 7am, 24 individuals are still missing while 69 suffered injuries. PRC mobilized 30 manpower equipped with two ambulance units, two rescue vehicles, a generator set, and a tower light.

PRC also provided body bags to facilitate proper management of bodies retrieved in the incident site.

“We are all together. Red Cross continues the search and rescue operations for the missing individuals at Chuzon Supermarket. We deployed our assets from nearby chapters to provide additional manpower in affected areas. No one shall be left behind,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said.

Gordon also urged business owners to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the crowd.

“Be mindful of the safety of the people in your establishments. Business owners should inspect and double check the safety of their establishments to avoid putting people in dangerous situations,” he added.

Red Cross also advises the public to take earthquake drills seriously to prevent major casualties and take note of the following measures before, during, and after an earthquake.

Before checklist

• Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances with wall studs.
• Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture with wall studs.
• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
• Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.

During – if indoors

• Drop, cover and hold on. Move as little as possible and watch for falling objects.
• It is most important to keep your head and torso covered. If you’re sitting at a desk or table, get under it. Otherwise drop wherever you are.
• If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on, protecting your head with a pillow.
• Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. If you must go outside after the shaking stops, use stairs rather than an elevator in case of aftershocks, power outages or other damages.
• Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire.

During – if you are outside

Find a clear spot and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights).

During – if you are in a vehicle

• Pull over to a clear location and stop.
• Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible.
• Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
• Then, drive carefully avoiding bridges and ramps that might have been damaged.
• If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.
• If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes and cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris.
• Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes.

After

• If away from home, return only when authorities say it’s safe to do so.
• Be prepared for aftershocks. If you feel one, drop cover and hold on.
• Aftershocks frequently occur minutes, days, weeks and even months following an earthquake.
• Open cabinets slowly. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
• Stay away from damaged areas in and around your home.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.
• Check for gas leaks to prevent fires and secondary damage. Spray the fittings on your gas meter and any fittings on gas appliances with a mixture of water and a little liquid dish soap. If it bubbles, there is gas present.
• Use extreme caution and examine walls, floors, doors, staircases and windows to check for damage.

Red Cross assists over 9,000 in annual Holy Week ops

Written on April 23, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

A total of 9,065 patients were served during the Holy Week operations of Philippine Red Cross, including individuals involved in road crashes and drowning incidents.

Most of the patients (8,289) had their blood pressure monitored due to extreme heat, while 42 patients who suffered from fainting, severe body pain, difficulty of breathing, and head trauma were transported for further medical attention.

There were also eight major cases recorded such as seizure, loss of consciousness and fracture, while 493 patients sustained wounds, others suffered from sprain, muscle cramps, dizziness and vomiting.

PRC’s welfare desks also catered to 233 individuals, including those assisted through psychosocial support and who sought help to trace their families.

PRC deployed a total of 2,000 staff and 150 ambulances nationwide from April 14 to 22.

“Salute to our untiring staff and volunteers who assisted to our countrymen during the holy week. Selfless act indeed, when you think of others first before yourself. Serving the people and uplifting them during catastrophes has been a regular endeavor for Philippine Red Cross,” Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman of PRC, said.

In Kalinga, PRC staff and volunteers responded to a road crash incident in Binongsay Road, Bry. Malin-awa, Tabuk City, where an elf truck fell off a cliff after losing its brakes. The incident resulted in eight deaths and injured 16 people. PRC provided hot meals and hygiene kits to the nine patients currently admitted.

Meanwhile, in Calatagan, Batangas, PRC transported a 12-year-old boy to Batangas Medicare Hospital due to drowning.

PRC also showed readiness in responding to fire when it immediately mobilized its fire trucks and ambulance vehicles to two fire incidents that both reached 4th alarm in Quezon City and Laguna in April 20.

Aside from the fire trucks and ambulance, the PRC also deployed four first aiders in the fire in Capoas, Masambong in Quezon City where it gutted several houses.

The fire in Laguna destroyed a paper mill in the town of Cabuyao. There were no reported casualties in the said fire incidents.

The number of patients assisted this year is higher compared to last year’s 8,844 individuals.

PRC Holy Week Operations
Summary of assistance

Total Patients Catered (2019): 9,065 (Apr 14-Apr 22) Total Patients Catered (2018): 8,844 (Mar 26-Apr 2)

Breakdown as follows:
Blood pressure monitoring – 8,289
Transported – 42 (fainting, severe body pain, breathing difficulties, head trauma)
Major – 8 (seizure, loss of consciousness, fracture)
Minor – 493 (wound, sprain, muscle crumps, jellyfish sting, dizziness, vomiting)
Welfare- 233 (Psychosocial support – 179, tracing – 4, referral – 50)

PRC holds back-to-back cash grant distribution in CamSur, Albay

Written on March 22, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

AID POURED in for 1,217 families in Camarines Sur and Albay as the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided multipurpose cash grants to help them recover from the aftermath of Tropical Depression Usman, which ravaged the southern part of the country in December 2018.

On March 19, PRC, in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, distributed P3,500 each to 917 families from Brgy. San Miguel and Brgy. Ombao Polpog in the Municipality of Bula, Camarines Sur.

This was followed by the distribution of cash grants to 300 most affected families Brgy. Maynonong, Brgy. Naga, and Brgy. Sugod from the Municipality of Tiwi, Albay on March 20.

Chairman Richard Gordon said the cash grant empowers the beneficiaries to start anew following the devastation of Usman.

“The Red Cross never forgets. It’s been three months since Usman displaced thousands and we are still here to assure people that they will never walk alone. We are here to give them options,” Gordon said.

The distribution of multipurpose cash grant allows families to prioritize their immediate needs to recover from the impact of the disaster.

Data from the PRC Operations Center shows that Usman damaged over 5,000 houses in Camarines Sur and Albay. Landslides and flooding also resulted in agricultural and livelihood losses.

PRC first dispatched a “humanitarian caravan” composed of water tankers and rescue trucks during the height of Usman.

Staff and volunteers also spent the New Year providing search and rescue, relief, water, and welfare assistance to affected communities in Camarines Sur and Albay.

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