Philippine Red Cross

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, GMAKF, and Ever Commonwealth’s annual “Sagip Dugtong Buhay” resumes, yields 1, 705 blood bags

Written on March 2, 2023. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

After three years of postponement because of health concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and GMA Network’s socio-civic arm GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) once again welcomed blood donors to their annual “Sagip Dugtong Buhay” blood donation drive last Sunday, 26 February, with the support of Ever Gotesco Commonwealth.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said in a statement that the PRC and GMAKF’s 27 years of partnership helped the foremost humanitarian organization provide stronger humanitarian services to vulnerable Filipinos. “May our partnership continue to alleviate the suffering of our most vulnerable people,” Chairman Gordon added.

The blood donation drive, which started at 7 a.m. and lasted until 6 p.m., generated a total of 1, 705 blood bags. Health personnel, staff, and volunteers from PRC personal Blood Service in the area were placed in different parts of the Ever Gotesco Mall to accommodate the crowd of blood donors.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn T. Pang expressed her gratitude to GMAKF and blood donors for their active involvement in the activity. “Ang dugo po na kailangan ng ating bansa ay 1 percent ng ating population. One hundred thirteen million na po [ang populasyon] nating ngayon, ang ibig sabihin po ay kailangan natin ng 1.1 million bags of blood […] Last year, sa tulong ng Philippine Red Cross, ng government hospitals at private hospitals, nakapag kolekta tayo ng mahigit 800, 000 blood bags nationwide […] We hope that through the continuous support of our people, we can address our countrymen’s need for blood,” Dr. Pang added.

GMAKF founder Ms. Mel C. Tiangco turned over the blood donations to PRC Secretary General Dr. Pang. GMAKF COO and Executive VP Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog, Ever Commonwealth Executive Vice President for Ad and Promo Ms. Lourdes Go-Ortiga, Vice President for Operations Ms. Evelyn Go, and Department Store Manager Ms. Dolly Eloriaga were also present at the ceremony.

Eight blood donors, two of whom are Ms. Lourdes Ortiga-Go and Ms. Evelyn Go of Ever Commonwealth, reached a milestone of donating one gallon of blood and were recognized by Secretary General Dr. Pang.

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, or (02) 87902300.

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 gives 31 million worth of assistance to Super Typhoon Karding victims, including affected farmers as planting season nears

Written on February 16, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

In continuation of its humanitarian efforts to alleviate the sufferings of communities severely affected by Super Typhoon Karding (international name: Noru) when it struck the country in September 2022, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will deliver cash assistance, amounting to Php 22, 895, 000, to 4, 579 affected families in five Karding-hit provinces in Luzon today, 15 February. This is in addition to the Php 8, 383, 705 worth of humanitarian assistance the PRC has provided to Karding-affected areas since September 2022.

“Just like what I said before, we are everywhere. PRC will continue to do more than usual. Hindi natin pababayaan ang ating mga kababayan na lubhang naapektuhan ng Super Typhoon Karding. Malaking tulong para sa kanila roon ang cash assistance na ating ibibigay para mapunan ang kanilang pang araw-araw na pangangailangan at sa kanilang pagsisimulang muli. I’ll deploy our PRC staff and volunteers in those provinces affected by Karding to ensure that our fellow Filipinos will be given financial support for their recovery” said by PRC Chairman and CEO Mr. Richard J. Gordon.

PRC volunteers and staff will reach 1, 123 families in the municipalities of Burdeos, Panukulan, and Patnanungan in Quezon Province, 1, 184 families in Gapan City, General Tinio, Penaranda, and San Leonardo in Nueva Ecija, 476 in San Miguel, Bulacan, 996 in Dingalan and San Luis in Aurora, and 800 in Pura and Victoria in Tarlac. Each household will be granted a one-time Multipurpose Cash Grant (MPGC) of Php 5,000 to support their recovery, especially the rice farmers as planting season nears.

This initiative is supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) as part of its Karding Operation.

After today’s distribution, PRC will have given more than Php 31 million worth of humanitarian aid to families affected by ST Karding. The PRC has provided the following humanitarian assistance to communities affected by Karding since September 2022: 5,961 hotmeals, psychological first aid to 909 people, hygiene promotion to 494 individuals, child friendly spaces to 946 children, 2,490 face masks, 1,144 jerry cans, 514 sleeping kits, and 1,012 hygiene kits. As part of PRC Chairman Gordon’s recovery activities on schools, the PRC also delivered 960 CGI (corrugated galvanized iron) sheets and 48 plain sheets to eight damaged schools in Quezon Province such as Burdeos National High School, Mabini High School, Bonifacio High School, Calutcot High School, Carlagan Elementary School, Katakian Elementary School, Bukal Elementary School, and Apad Elementary School.

PH Red Cross gets 10 Million Pesos from Congress to aid quake-stricken Türkiye

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

Quezon City – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) was asked by the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye to assist in the donation efforts for the quake-hit country. To honor this request, PRC appealed to Filipinos to help our Turkish brothers and sisters.

Today, the House of Representatives swiftly responded to the call with a donation that was personally received by PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon at the Batasang Pambansa.

In accepting the donation, Chairman Gordon noted that it is fitting that one of the first to answer the call for the Turkey appeal is the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinan Martin G. Romualdez.

Speaker Romualdez is from Leyte, the province that was badly hit by Haiyan in 2013. During that time, Türkiye was the first to send aid to the Philippines during that time.

“This donation from Congress is a very important gesture to show Türkiye our solidarity as they showed us in Haiyan. The donation is critical, especially during this time because this is the coldest time of the year for the affected regions. We cannot begin to imagine what our Turkish brothers and sisters are going through, those who survived the quake and are left without shelter out in the cold facing freezing conditions,” said Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon.

PRC Chairman Gordon was accompanied by PRC Governors Carissa Coscolluela and Rachel Arenas during the simple turnover ceremony at the House of Representatives this afternoon.

Philippine Red Cross and Canadian Red Cross visit Cebu to sign agreement for implementation of WASH Development and Readiness Project

Written on February 10, 2023. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continuously intensifies its efforts in building healthy and resilient communities through its developmental programs and services. In line with this initiative, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn T. Pang, together with the President and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross Conrad Sauve and Asia Pacific Region Head Ms. Yunhong Zhang, visited Cebu and signed the Memorandum of Agreement with the Local Government Unit (LGU), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Municipal and City Health Offices for the implementation of the WASH Development and Readiness Project today, 11 February.

The WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Readiness Project is a joint project of the PRC and the CRC and aims to reduce the risks of water, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases in marginalized and vulnerable communities especially during emergencies and disasters. The project targets to reach at least 50,000 individuals in Cebu, Leyte, and Negros Occidental. In Cebu, the project aims to reach four cities and municipalities: Lapu-Lapu City, Naga City, Cordova, and Barili.

“The WASH Readiness Project will strengthen the disaster response capacity of our chapters in Cebu. I am grateful to the Canadian Red Cross, especially to CRC President Conrad Sauve, for supporting this project. The construction of wash hubs and sanitation facilities among others will help our chapters reach more vulnerable communities in times of humanitarian emergencies,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon.

Capacity building through training; Prepositioning of WASH-related items and equipment (e.g., hygiene kits, jerry cans, menstrual hygiene kits, etc.) in regional warehouses in Visayas; Rehabilitation and Construction of Visayas WASH hubs; Construction of water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities; and community and school-based hygiene promotion are among the activities under the project.

The event was attended by the School Division Superintendent, DepEd Division of Lapu Lapu Dr. Wilfreda D. Bongalos Ph D., CESO V, Naga City Mayor Valdemor Mendiola Chiong, Barili Mayor Pablo John Garcia IV, Lapu Lapu Mayor Junard Chan, Cordova City Mayor Cesar E. Suan, National Commission on Indigenous People representative, and barangay captains.

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PH Red Cross Chairman Gordon, ratcheting up the intensification of the 143 volunteers program to be ready for the big disasters

Written on February 9, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

“The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria last February 6 was a significant and destructive event, and more than 4,300 people have died. Imagine that happening to our country. It will be catastrophic. This is why we are ratcheting up our 143 volunteers across the nation so PRC will be ready for any big disaster,” said Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon a day after the massive quake ravaged Turkey and parts of Syria.

Red Cross 143 volunteer is one of PRC’s flagship programs and a brainchild of PRC Chairman Gordon, it recognizes the crucial role that volunteers play during massive disasters.

Under the Red Cross 143 volunteer program, every barangay in the country should have a 143 team. 1 + 43, one leader with 43 members to make up 44 volunteers on site who will “take charge” and be the first responders to their communities. Each member of the 143 volunteer team in every barangay has her specific functions and roles to play, and will report to the PRC National Headquarters’ Operations Center.

“Our 143 volunteers will help with search and rescue efforts, provide first aid, distribute supplies and food, support evacuation and shelter operations, and assist with clean-up and rebuilding efforts, among many other roles,” added Gordon.

The PRC volunteers’ contributions help to alleviate the burden on overwhelmed emergency services, and their presence can bring comfort and hope to people in need. Additionally, volunteers can help to coordinate activities and mobilize resources, such as donations and supplies, to meet the needs of affected communities.

Philippine Red Cross on high alert for a disaster of similar magnitude as the Turkey and Syria earthquake

Written on February 8, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

In the wake of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on 06 February, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is on high alert for a similar event of the same magnitude. The Philippines ranks first in disaster risk, according to The World Risk Index 2022; it is vulnerable not just to earthquakes but also to volcanic eruptions, storm surge, typhoons, floods, and drought.

“As auxiliary to the government, the PRC has a Mass Casualty Incident, or MCI, protocol in place. We have trained emergency medical services and psychological first aid providers across the country, and they are ready to respond to people affected by an MCI,” explained Gordon.

He added that PRC responded to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol province in 2013 and to the 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Abra province in 2022, the two most destructive earthquakes in the country in the 21st century.

As part of its preparation for a huge disaster, PRC is revisiting the organization’s preparedness protocol for big disasters based on data on predicted impacts to life and property of a high-magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila. The PRC is also preparing for the logistical requirements to immediately deploy rescue workers and humanitarian aid to affected areas when needed.

Gordon underscored that the country must be prepared not just for a high-magnitude earthquake but also for its secondary effects, such as landslides, tsunami, and leaks in pipes carrying natural and other gases.

PH Red Cross Chairman Gordon Commends Firefighters after saving family in Quezon City Fire

Written on February 2, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

“I commend our team of firefighting volunteers for doing a fantastic job. It is important to realize that the PRC has many unsung heroes. As volunteers it is just fitting to honor them for their bravery and their eagerness to save lives and alleviate the suffering of our kababayans,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon.

On February 1st, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) firefighting teams from the PRC National Headquarters responded to a big fire that reached the 3rd alarm in Brgy. Masambong in Quezon City and rescued four members of the Ceazar family.

The Ceazar family found themselves trapped in their own homes as the fire ravaged a compound where they were residing. Two teams of PRC firefighting volunteers found a way to reach them by climbing over an establishment and piercing a wall to make a hole in order to reach the trapped family, including 67-year-old father Danny Caesar, 67-year-old mother Ramona Ceazar and their children 31-year-old Stella Marie and 28-year-old Danny Jr.

What made the situation even more difficult was the condition of the family’s mother, Ramona, who was unable to walk and needed to be transported out of the house using a wheelchair.

“Due to the quick thinking and determinedness of our PRC firefighters, lives were saved and our organization recognizes those who have put their lives in danger to save the lives of others,” added Gordon.

The two teams of PRC firefighters for commendation include Team Leaders Jestoni Destura and Romel Barroga, team members Von Cypress, Paul Rei Guiang, Henry Sablay, Neil Jason Almero, Alfred Bautista, Zandro Cenizal, Friendly Daque, Ezekiel Daque, Steven Clark Leant, Kim Ordonez, Ferdinand Pacarro, Osmundo Cabanero, and Mharu Rabaino.

PRC also sent an ambulance team to the scene of the fire to provide emergency medical assistance to those families affected. About 500 families or 2,500 individuals were directly affected by the fire. These families are now relocated to temporary evacuation centers at the Apolonio Tennis Court and Masambong Covered court.

PRC, through its Quezon City Chapter, is preparing to distribute hot meals to the affected families as of press time.

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