MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — Amid the numerous festivities in celebration of the New Year, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is reminding the public to monitor their health following the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country during the holiday season.
As of Dec. 31, 2024, more than 260 cases of NCDs were reported by the Department of Health (DOH), consisting of 130 cases of acute stroke, 69 cases of acute coronary syndrome, and 68 cases of bronchial asthma. Overall, Region XI or the Davao Region saw the most cases (31.5 percent), followed by the National Capital Region (25.8 percent), CALABARZON (25 percent), Region II (9.7 percent), and Region I (7.1 percent).
The PRC’s emergency medical response teams have helped transport patients with NCDs through their ambulance services in Baguio, Batangas, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, South Cotabato, Southern Leyte, and Quezon City.
“We join the country in welcoming the year 2025 with joy and excitement. However, as the new year starts, we encourage the public to prioritize their health moving forward. In the feasts we have with our families, friends, and colleagues, let’s avoid eating fatty, salty, and sweet food to prevent stroke, and acute coronary syndrome. We ask more people to develop healthy diet and exercise habits as part of their new year goals. To prevent bronchial asthma, we’re also encouraging more people to stop smoking,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.
“In the Red Cross, we aim to develop healthy communities by providing many health services like free health consultations and disease prevention and awareness programs in our health caravans. For the new year, we urge more Filipinos to join us in practicing and living healthier lives,” he added.
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang stressed on the importance of knowing basic first aid at home in case of any health emergencies. “Learning basic first aid at home is crucial in our everyday lives. This can help us readily respond to unexpected situations, especially in special occasions like gatherings with relatives and friends this season. This year, we hope to accelerate our first aid and CPR training campaign to reach more Filipinos and have more communities learn these lifesaving skills.”
TARLAC, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) led by its Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick Gordon” in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) held the first installment of its Household Livelihood Assistance program that financially supports vulnerable communities affected by the rage of the Southwest Monsoon which was further intensified by Tropical Cyclones Butchoy and Carina in the province of Tarlac.
Through the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF), a total of 274 vulnerable families residing in Barangays Lomboy, Macalong, and San Roque in La Paz, Tarlac received ₱9,000 each (with a total amount of ₱2.4 million) to help them rebuild their lives and restart their livelihoods. The livelihood cash distribution, spearheaded by the Tarlac Chapter and the Disaster Management Services team, was held in Brgy. Rizal, La Paz on December 17.
Chairman Gordon highlighted the importance of consistent and relentless service, stating, “The Red Cross never rests, not even during the holidays. We bring hope and help to those who need it most, proving that compassion knows no season.”
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang pointed out that this is just one of the many disaster and livelihood efforts of the PRC for Filipinos, stating that “The PRC will continue to create and implement meaningful initiatives that uplift and restore lives and livelihoods.”
According to the PRC, a second installment of ₱6,000 will be distributed early next year in Tarlac while first and second tranches will be done in the province of Bulacan. For both tranches, the PRC and IFRC target more than a thousand vulnerable households with a total amount of ₱15 million.
MANILA, Philippines —- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is urging schools and their leaders to help ignite the spirit of volunteerism in the youth.
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang was invited as a resource speaker in the 17th annual Commission on Accreditation for Local Colleges and Universities (ALCUCOA) National Conference on December 13 at the Diamond Hotel, Manila.
In her talk titled, “Amplifying Student Learning through Volunteerism: The Perspective of the Philippine Red Cross,” Dr. Pang stressed the significant role and responsibility of schools in fostering volunteerism among the youth.
“We have to incorporate volunteerism in the school today because we are responsible for continuing the generations of humanitarian volunteers. Through your students, you have the power to mold the future of our country and humanity. Volunteerism teaches empathy, teamwork, and leadership. Many educators believe it’s one of the best ways to build responsible citizenry. If we want to nurture citizens who embody a willingness to help and profound love for others, we have to support and provide programs that will help teach those in the school,” she said.
She shared her experience as a Red Cross Youth (RCY) volunteer back when she was a young college girl in Jolo, Sulu, emphasizing how her humble beginnings as a youth volunteer helped her realize her passion for humanitarian work, leading to 27 years in the service with the Red Cross Movement.
“School is about how we hone the young people, so I thank my school for honing me to be a leader. Through the Red Cross I gained those values and skills. I grew up in the Red Cross learning the importance of compassion, resilience, and leadership.”
Beyond that, Dr. Pang encouraged schools, especially the over 100 members of ALCUCOA led by President Dr. Raymundo Arcega, to partner with the PRC in establishing and strengthening their volunteer campaigns through PRC’s various programs on community outreach, basic first and CPR training, disaster management and response, health awareness and promotion initiatives, and blood donation drives among others.
She also emphasized the PRC’s eagerness to engage with schools to build RCY councils, encourage faculty involvement, integrate volunteer work in the curriculum and NSTP programs, and connecting schools with local PRC chapters and branches, in order to harness the volunteering spirit of students.
In a message relayed by Dr. Pang at the event, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said: “It is important that we teach our youth the value of volunteerism to bring out the best in them, and the willingness to work for a cause, and not just for compensation. Let’s hone the youth of today, values for the country.”
The PRC is the country’s foremost volunteer-based humanitarian organization, with more than two million active volunteers in the country. Individuals interested in volunteering for the PRC may visit or contact their nearest PRC chapter or branch.
MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Lifebank Microfinance Foundation, Inc.’s joint health caravan initiative has provided essential healthcare assistance and treatment to a total of 5,732 Filipinos across the country, aligned with the organization’s fervent advocacy to ensure the wellbeing of communities.
The PRC and Lifebank held 17 health caravans from September to November this year, reaching a total of 271 communities in Laguna, Cavite, Baguio, Ozamiz City, Zambales, Tarlac, Southern Leyte, Masbate, Occidental Mindoro, Albay, Camarines Sur, Negros Oriental, Nueva Ecija, Bukidnon, Cebu, Batangas, and Misamis Oriental.
Among the services given were free health consultation, health check-ups, basic medications, blood typing, health promotion and disease awareness activities. Hot meals were also provided to the beneficiaries.
“Health caravans have been a staple of the Red Cross’ health services as we endeavor to help Filipinos build strong and healthy communities. We are thankful to our partner, Lifebank Microfinance Foundation, whose support has enabled us to serve thousands of our most vulnerable people in many parts of the country,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added: “Health is a fundamental human right, yet many people in the Philippines still do not have access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare due to financial constraints or living conditions among other matters. In the Red Cross, we are steadfast in our mission to bring healthcare to these underserved communities at no cost.”
This health caravan initiative will not be possible without the active involvement of PRC’s Medical Corps Volunteers and RC143 Volunteers. In this partnership, the PRC was able to mobilize 103 volunteer doctors, 73 volunteer nurses, and 301 RC143 volunteers.
The PRC’s chapters and branches nationwide regularly conduct health caravans as part of the organization’s health services. From January to November 2024, the PRC has conducted 510 health caravans, which have reached more than 1,000 communities and served over 131,632 individuals.
MARIKINA CITY, Philippines —- Heroes are not born, but made. For this year’s International Volunteers Day last December 5, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) salutes every single one of our two million volunteers nationwide, and urges many more Filipinos, especially the youth, to join us in saving lives.
On December 7, the PRC Marikina Chapter initiated a mass cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstration and mass bloodletting activity to showcase the power of PRC’s Red Cross Youth (RCY) volunteers, proving that the spirit of volunteerism remains alive in the younger generation. 2,000 members of RCY councils in many senior high schools, state universities, and colleges in Marikina performed CPR within a “human cross” formation at the city’s Sports Center Complex, symbolizing the Red Cross emblem of protection and aid.
“This demonstration shows the strength of the Red Cross volunteer system, as well as the importance of volunteerism against a world of greed and lost values. We urge people and families to join the Red Cross and help restore and reinvigorate our flagging value systems. We always say that our volunteers are our heroes, and heroes are not made in a day. They are molded through proper training, mentorship, and years of selfless service, which the PRC provides. Whether you’re old or young, no day is too late to start your journey as a volunteer. It’s never too late to be a hero,” remarked PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.
“Kudos to the Marikina Chapter, led by Chapter Administrator Jenny de Guzman, Chapter Chairman Serafin “Bojie” Bernardino, and the Marikina Chapter Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers for the success of this great initiative,” he added.
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, who began as a RCY leader and career staff of the Red Cross Movement, remarked: “I know each and every one of you has the willingness to save lives. With all you have learned and gained from your PRC mentors like new skills and experiences, we hope they lead you to greater heights.”
Among the schools that participated in the event were the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina (PLMAR), Far Eastern University (FEU) Roosevelt, Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC), San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila School of Marikina City, St. Scholastica’s Academy Marikina, Nuestra Señora De Guia Academy of Marikina Inc., Marikina Institute of Technology, Marikina Catholic School, and STI College Marikina.
RCY volunteers Lian Marsamulo (19 years-old) and Inna Tabuena (20 years-old), both from PLMAR, shared that they chose to be volunteers in order to be more aware and gain knowledge on how to help people, especially when accidents occur in their communities, citing the importance of having basic skills on first aid and CPR.
For teenagers, try po natin sumali sa Red Cross o ibang voluntary groups kasi nakakenjoy po siya, and at the same time, madami ka pong natututunan habang nakakatulong ka po sa ibang mga tao,” said Jaychelle Magno (16 years-old), Secretary of the RCY Council of Nuestra Señora De Guia Academy of Marikina Inc.
Meanwhile, Ms. Gina Tenerife (53 years-old), RC143 Team Leader of Barangay Malanday, said that her experience as a volunteer for nearly two years has allowed her to be proactive in her community, sharing that she had become someone her community can call on and take charge when emergencies happen, such as when her neighbor needed immediate medical attention. “Sa mga komunidad natin, kailangan natin ng RC143 volunteer kasi mas mabilis ang pagtulong agad, hindi iisipin pa kung sino ang tutulong sayo.”
The PRC is the country’s foremost volunteer-based humanitarian organization, with more than two million active volunteers in the country. Individuals interested in volunteering for the PRC may visit or contact their nearest PRC chapter or branch.
PASIG CITY, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) came together on December 12 to sign a memorandum of agreement that sets the stage for organizing the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Fun Run, an event aimed at supporting the PRC’s humanitarian causes.
The first-ever fun run aims to raise awareness about the country’s hosting of the 2025 OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting, scheduled from February 5 to 7, next year. Its objective is to emphasize and advance the principles of transparency, accountability, and public engagement in governance.
The 2025 OGP Fun Run is set to happen on January 26 at the Quirino Grandstand.
“Let me recognize the PRC and Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang for your steadfast support for the humanitarian efforts of DBM. Know that our partnership is deeply valued, and we remain committed to supporting your initiatives. The agreement we signed today officially inaugurated the first-ever OGP Fun Run. This is a pioneer event that serves as a vital precursor to the highly anticipated 2025 OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting,” said DBM Secretary Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman.
“This isn’t just a run, but a rally for the principles that define good governance. Through this run, we’re not just breaking a sweat, we are also supporting the PRC in its vital humanitarian missions,” she added.
“We at MMDA pledge our utmost support and commitment in order to ensure the success of this event that will benefit the PRC and its humanitarian missions. We’re excited about this initiative that will promote physical fitness and raise awareness about the OGP Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting,” MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes remarked.
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang mentioned that the PRC has been a trusted ally of the DBM and MMDA. The fun run proceeds will directly support critical PRC programs like disaster response, assistance for those affected by conflict, and the provision of life-saving blood.
The race is open to the public. Participants may choose from three race categories: 3KM (P700), 5KM, (P800), and 10KM (P1,000). Registration fee covers event materials including official fun run shirts and race bibs. The event program will begin at 3:30 a.m. with the official gun start scheduled for 4:30 a.m.
Other information including registration and payment processes will be announced soon.
MANILA, Philippines — Harnessing the wide sphere and sheer power of the public and private sectors, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)’s joint bloodletting initiative, “Dugtong Buhay Movement,” has already collected a total of 1,067 blood units in its first five-month rollout, serving as a testament to many Filipinos’ readiness to help secure the nation’s blood supply.
With the contributions of the Movement, the PRC has collected a total of 544,663 blood units from January to date this year, surpassing the 538,769 units collected in 2023. The blood collected and dispensed have been able to help save the lives of 276,851 patients.
Through the leadership of DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and the steadfast support of PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, the blood drive has amassed highly-influential partners such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, the local government of San Fernando, La Union, and iAcademy; all of whom have pledged to engage their constituents in regular voluntary blood donations.
On December 6, it conducted its fifth mass bloodletting drive, this time in partnership with the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) – Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Ermita, Manila. UP’s affiliate organizations (UP Pahinungod, Phi Kappa Mu and Mu Sigma Phi Fraternities, and Phi Lambda Delta and Mu Sigma Phi Sororities) and personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) also volunteered to donate their blood in the program. A total of 154 blood units were collected during the activity.
“We are happy and proud to be a partner of DBM. Ensuring our country has an ample blood supply is a whole team, whole nation effort. With Secretary Amenah at the helm, DBM has put so much love in this initiative that we’ve done together since August. Sec. Amenah has been very hands-on in ensuring the success of these blood drives, and because of that great leadership, the Philippine Red Cross is 100 percent committed to the Dugtong Buhay Movement. We hope we inspire more partners to join us because we have been able to help many patients through the blood we have collected,” said Dr. Pang,
She also stressed the PRC’s dedication to helping PGH, which is at the top of the PRC’s blood supply distribution network. Just this year, the PRC has provided the PGH with 12,856 blood bags, aiding 3,735 patients. In the past, the PRC and PGH have collaborated on establishing a field hospital during the measles outbreak, augmenting equipment and staff of the health unit, creating a triage area and providing personal protective equipment (PPEs) to PGH frontliners. 32 students under a PRC scholarship are also currently studying in UP Manila College of Medicine.
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon also expressed his support for the blood donation program, noting that the PRC will continue to mobilize its health units, volunteers, and staff, as well as provide resources, to ensure the success of all the mass bloodletting activities under the Dugtong Buhay Movement.
Meanwhile, Secretary Pangandaman thanked the PRC, PCG, and PNP, who have been her constant partners in this initiative since day one. “Sa lahat ng ating mga donors at volunteers, maraming-maraming salamat po. Truly you are not just life savers, but life givers.”
“Sa inyong partisipasyon, pinapakita ninyo ang tunay na diwa ng pagkakaisa at serbisyo na nagpapalakas ng ating komunidad. Napakahalaga ng aktibidad na ito dahil nakapagbibigay tayo ng isang bagay na libre pero walang katumbas na halaga — ang pagdugtong ng buhay. Araw-araw, madaming tao, lalo na ang mga bata, ang nangangailangan nito. Sa bawat dugong ibinabahagi natin, natutulungan natin ang mga nangangailangan tulad ng mga pasyenteng may cancer, mga nanay at nanganganak, at mga biktima ng aksidente na makasama ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ng mas matagal pa. Ngayong holiday season, ang dugong inyong handog ay maituturing na po nating maagang pamasko para sa mga nangangailangan. Nakakataba po sa puso na makitang habang lumilipas ang panahon, patuloy na lumalawak ang saklaw at epekto ng ating inisyatiba. Habang tumatagal dumadami po ang ating mga partners at volunteers na handang tumulong. Mas lumalaki po ang ating Dugtong Buhay Movement,” she said.
Moreover, UPM-PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, and UPM Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tee shared their gratitude and delight to have the institution as part of the Movement since the demand for blood is very high in the hospital, seeing as they serve 700,000 patients a year and conduct around 30,000 operations.
Other key guests who gave messages of support for the initiative at the event were PCG National Capital Region (NCR) – Central Luzon Acting Commander Commo. Arnaldo M. Lim, Manila Police District (MPD) Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, and BJMP Medical Division Chief JSupt. John Paul Borlongan.
The PRC is the country’s major blood supplier with 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers nationwide. Under the directive of Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, the PRC aims to provide 70 percent of the country’s overall supply of blood.
MAKATI CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) received a generous donation worth P1.2 million from the Philippine Constitution Association (PHILCONSA) to support relief efforts for families and individuals affected by the recent storms and typhoons that battered parts of the country.
The donation was turned over to PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon by PHILCONSA President Speaker Martin Romualdez, Chief Justice Tess De Castro, Gov. Inky Reyes, Gov. Baby Ortiz, and PHILCONSA’s Board of Directors in a brief ceremony in Makati City on December 5.
P200,000 of the P1.2 million donation was given by PHILCONSA Member and Board Member of PRC Manila Chapter Nelia Sarcol.
Gordon delivered a short message at the event, thanking PHILCONSA’s members for choosing to donate to the PRC this holiday season. “The Philippine Red Cross would like to thank you on behalf of all the vulnerable people in the country. In a month, a steady attack of storms and typhoons bombarded our country, leaving many Filipinos displaced, lacking basic resources, losing livelihoods. I assure you that your donation will really come a long way.”.
“As we say, ‘We gather light to scatter.’ You’ve shown that whatever you have contributed is hope, not really the amount, but what is in the heart. To the many people without food, water, shelter – those are the people we need to look after especially this season, ” he added.
PHILCONSA had previously donated P350,000 to the PRC back in 2013 to support efforts for Typhoon Haiyan.
QUEZON CITY, Philippines —- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) affirmed its support to the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI)’s valiant efforts to advocate for organ donation during the unveiling of the hospital’s new monument, “Vita Infinitum,” commemorating deceased organ donors who have helped save countless Filipino lives.
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang emphasized that NKTI is a trusted partner of the Philippine Red Cross in the noble mission of organ donation. “As we continue this vital collaboration, the PRC reaffirms its unwavering support to NKTI’s organ donation advocacy. Through our extensive networks of chapters, volunteers, and committee programs, we are committed to raising awareness about the impact of organ donation. Together, we will work together to educate communities, dispel misconceptions, and inspire more Filipinos to see organ donation as a gift of hope and life to humanity. Our shared vision goes beyond advocacy. We stand united in offering psychosocial support to grieving families, ensuring they feel valued and respected during such critical times. We also remain steadfast in training more PRC volunteers and health advocates to facilitate organ donation with compassion and dignity, honoring both the donors and families.”
“The PRC is embracing the vision of transformative collaboration as we strengthen partnerships with various organizations to deepen our impact in communities nationwide. We are in full support of the NKTI’s tireless efforts in organ donation and transplantation, as we share common goals to protect life, alleviate human suffering, and uplift human dignity,” added PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.
“Vita Infinitum,” meaning “infinity of life,” was erected as a tribute to deceased organ donors of NKTI since the hospital’s establishment in 1983. It was built by NKTI, in partnership with the Rotary Club of San Juan Supreme, Eisenhower, and San Juan Neopolitan.
“We honor the selfless generosity, act of charity, and eternal love of their families, whose gifts have transformed and extended the lives of our countless patients. They donated their kidneys, liver, pancreas, cornea, and even bones, and soon we have embarked on the heart and lung transplant. This [monument] highlights the role of NKTI to strengthen the deceased organ donation, in providing life saving care for individuals. This is a powerful reminder of our unsung heroes. They will not be forgotten,” said NKTI Executive Director Dr. Rose Rosete-Liquete.
The unveiling ceremony, held on December 5 at the NKTI Grounds in Quezon City, was graced by NKTI Executive Director Dr. Rosete-Liquete, PRC Secretary General Dr. Pang, Dr. Enrique Ona, former Secretary of Health and former NKTI Executive Director; heads of the Philippine Lung Center, Philippine Heart Center, rotary clubs, and representatives from the Kidney Transplant Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KITAP) and other groups.
Ms. Maria Pauline Saldaña also gave her testimony as a liver transplant recipient of NKTI’s organ donor program after battling cirrhosis (or severe scarring of the liver). “To everyone who is able. I hope you choose to be a donor. You can help prevent a tragedy, and transform it into a legacy that would live on and be a blessing to extend people’s lives. Every donation is such a precious gift you can choose to give.”
MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES – With the mission to save more lives through the provision of immediate access to safe, affordable, adequate, and quality blood supply, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos, Inc. inked a memorandum of agreement for blood supply distribution at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong on December 2.
The MOA states that the PRC will continue to provide blood to Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos, ensuring a steady blood supply for patients in need of blood transfusion to survive, especially the poor. The Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos is the new addition to the roster of partner hospitals of the PRC alongside Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Luke’s Medical Center, AC Healthway Cancer Care Center, and Manila Doctors Hospital.
“The vision is really simple: when you need blood, you must have it. Speed is the name of the game. When patients are asked to bring in more people to hospitals for their blood needs, that’s stressful; when they’re asked to pay for it, that’s even more stressful! We are in the vocation of alleviating the suffering of vulnerable people so we’re easing the burden not only on patients, but their families. Hindi na nila kailangang magpunta sa amin para sa dugo, we will deliver blood to their doorsteps. Makatitipid din ang mga ospital dahil hindi na nila kailangang magbayad ng tao para kumuha ng dugo dahil kami mismo ang magdadala sa ospital. We’ve been doing blood collection for 78 years, kaya naming mag-supply ng dugo sa buong bansa,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon reiterated.
Meanwhile, Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos President and CEO Renerio Jover mentioned that “this new development that the Red Cross has envisioned is fantastic. It will help hospitals because securing blood for patients is very challenging especially if you’re far from the source. I hope you can escalate this to more hospitals in far-flung provinces.”
“Today marks another significant milestone to ensure that every patient receives the care they need. The marching order of Chairman Gordon is that no one will be turned away if they need blood. We thank the Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos for this partnership and we hope that this will inspire more hospitals to partner with us as well,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.
Prior to the MOA signing, the PRC through its Bulacan Chapter has been supplying blood to Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos. From January to November this year, the PRC provided 766 blood units to 435 patients.
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.
