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RED CROSS HOSTS 1ST NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR BLOOD SERVICES MEETING FOR 2024 

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES – The Disease Prevention and Control Bureau-National Voluntary Blood Services Program (DPCB-NVBSP) of the Department of Health (DOH) convened the first National Council for Blood Services (NCBS) for 2024, hosted by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on September 19 at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong. 

The purpose of the meeting was to ensure continuous quality improvement in the implementation of the DPCB-NVBSP and the conscientious effort to achieve the benefits of Universal Health Care for Filipinos. Other matters discussed were the reconstitution of the NCBS and its committees; evaluation of the maximum allowable blood service fees; reinforcement of policies and guidelines on replacement donation; no replacement fee, no retesting policy; and direct distribution system. 

The NCBS is chaired by Secretary of Health Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa and co-chaired by PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon. 

As stated in the DOH Administrative Order 2005-005: Rules and Regulations for the Establishment of the Philippine National Blood Services Amending Pertinent Provisions of Admin Order no.9 s 1995 (IRR of Republic Act 7719 or the “National Blood Services Act of 1994)”, the NCBS as the governing body of the Philippine National Blood Services (PNBS) serves the following functions: approval of directional/strategic plan of the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP); approval of policies and operations of the PNBS and the utilization of blood products by hospitals and other health services; approval of the standards, standard operating procedures and guidelines for the recruitment of donors, collection, transport, testing and processing of blood, issuance and administration of blood components and monitoring of blood transfusion practices; approval of allocation of funds and monitoring of fund utilization; develop the capabilities of the Philippines National Blood Services and Blood Services Network as the need arises; creation of other standing and special committees as appropriate; and approval of certification of importation privileges.

Meanwhile, Chairman Gordon laid down a robust strategy for the Council to ensure that every citizen, regardless of status and background, can have access to safe and quality blood: “We must inculcate that everybody can be a blood donor, that is so important. Secondly, we want to make sure that the price (for the processing fee) is affordable. We created the PRC Blood Samaritan Program to cover those who cannot pay the processing fee. We must be addressing the needs of the public,” Chairman Gordon said. 

“I want the Red Cross to be the co-chair. Alternate kami ni Chairman Gordon. Kapag wala ako, he will take over to run the Council. I also want the PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang to be the other Vice Chair,” Health Secretary Herbosa added, expressing his confidence in the PRC, where he previously served as an elected board member.

The Council shall meet at least quarterly or as necessary depending upon the discretion of the chairperson.

Honda PH gives Red Cross 70 new generator sets

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) received 70 units of 6.5KVa Honda Generator Sets from Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI) on September 17, providing much needed life-saving equipment for the organization’s humanitarian operations. 

The turnover ceremony, held at the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center in Mandaluyong City, was graced by PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, and officials from HPI led by its President Ms. Sayaka Arai and Mr. Jomel Jerezo, vice president for Sales and Marketing. 

“Adequate power supplies are essential to ensure that our operations continue in times of disasters and other crises. These generators will give our Chapters’ rescue and response teams the confidence to do their job and save lives. We thank Honda Philippines for their donation and constant support to the Red Cross over the years. You have been invaluable partners to us in our mission to uphold human dignity and alleviate human suffering,” said Gordon. 

He added that PRC personnel will undergo training for the proper use and maintenance of the generator sets. 

Dr. Pang remarked, “Power and electricity are critical to our day-to-day activities, especially when disasters strike. The generators will help us maintain communication lines, continue our emergency response operations and coordinate relief efforts, strengthening the Red Cross as an organization that communities can rely on.” 

This is the first batch of generator sets turned over to the PRC with the second batch scheduled for next year. 

“We at Honda, are committed to supporting trustworthy institutions like the Philippine Red Cross, as we share the common value of saving lives of the Filipinos. Under the banner of the Honda ❤️ You campaign, we mobilize the spirit of giving back to the community by taking a proactive approach to improving the quality of life of every Filipinos,” said Ms. Arai. 

HPI has previously donated P2 million to the PRC during Typhoon Odette in December 2021, and has given 104 motorcycles in 2020 to augment the PRC’s fleet. 

RED CROSS RECEIVES AN ADDITIONAL AMBULANCE FROM UNILAB 

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MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES- Unilab turned over one brand-new ambulance unit to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Rizal Chapter on September 16, 2024, held at the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center (PLMC) in Mandaluyong. 

The new ambulance unit is the second ambulance donated by Unilab to the PRC Rizal Chapter; the first unit was turned over in 2013. It is an addition to the PRC’s 178 ambulances that transport patients during disasters and emergencies, strategically positioned in the organization’s 102 chapters nationwide. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon shared that the PRC sets the gold standard when it comes to ambulance services. He said that the additional ambulance would further strengthen the PRC’s capacity to respond in crisis situations. 

“Unilab has been our ally for many years. We are grateful for this partnership and their support as we continue to save more lives using our assets. We started with one ambulance; now, we have over a hundred ambulances. We owe it to partners who believe in the work we do,” Chairman Gordon cited. 

“This is a story we want to put out there to inspire more organizations to partner with us. Unilab has been there to support our health caravans, we get our medicine supply from them, and they don’t just donate ambulances but they’re also covering its maintenance costs,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang mentioned. 

“Kung marami kayong pasasalamat sa amin, mas marami po kaming dapat ipagpasalamat sa Red Cross. We couldn’t feel any safer inside our company every day because the Red Cross is there. Kasama namin kayo sa aming first aid series seminars para ihanda ang aming mga empleyado. Umiikot din kami kasama ang PRC sa pagbibigay ng kaalaman sa CPR, psychological first aid, at marami pang iba. We value our partnership with PRC and we’re looking forward to doing more with the organization in the future,” added Unilab Medical Director for Occupational Health Services Julie Cheng. 

Meanwhile, the PRC Rizal Chapter also awarded a brand-new Toyota Innova J to Hon. Kristofer Dominguez, Brgy. Chairman of Bagong Silang, Mandaluyong City, and the grand prize winner of the Drive for Humanity raffle for a cause. 

All proceeds of the said income-generating initiative will be used to fund various humanitarian programs of the PRC Rizal Chapter. 

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS RESPONDS TO TONDO FIRE, HELPS DELIVER AN INFANT

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

TONDO, MANILA – Amidst the ongoing response to the recent fire incident in Cavite, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) under the leadership of its Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon swiftly responded to another blaze that engulfed a residential area in Vitas, Tondo, Manila before noon on Saturday, September 14. 

Chairman Gordon deployed 17 PRC staff and volunteers, two fire trucks, and two ambulance units in the fire incident that was raised to the fifth alarm and severely affected roughly 1,600 families or 5,000 individuals. 

During the fire response, the PRC medical team was able to help a 41-year-old laboring woman give birth to a baby girl. In a Facebook post, Chairman Gordon commended the PRC medical team led by Jefferson Dacut and Joshua Poquiz. 

“During the fire response in Tondo, the PRC medical team was called to help a wounded child, however, they chanced upon a mother about to give birth and ended up endorsing the first patient to another crew. The team was able to assist a 41-year-old mother as she gave birth to her 4th child, a baby girl in the middle of a fire. This is a testament to the courage and swift action of our responders, ensuring that life prevails, even in the face of danger. Good work Jefferson Dacut, Joshua Poquiz, and all our staff and volunteers! Proud of you!,” said Chairman Gordon. 

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang encourages more people to donate to the PRC to intensify the organization’s relief and recovery efforts as it continuously provides humanitarian aid for vulnerable communities affected by the massive blazes. 

The PRC said it will set up welfare desks and first aid stations in evacuation centers. The provision of hot meals using PRC’s food trucks and the mobilization of the Red Cross 143 volunteers on the ground will continue in the coming days until the situation gets better. 

READY, SET, RESPOND: RED CROSS LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE FIRST AID OLYMPICS

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MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will launch its first-ever Nationwide First Aid Olympics in line with the celebration of World First Aid Day (WFAD) 2024 on September 14. 

With the theme “First Aid and Sports,” this year’s WFAD aims to showcase the critical role first aid education plays in sports as an industry where injuries and medical emergencies often occur. The event also intends to ensure and promote the safety and well-being of athletes, spectators, and communities in sporting environments worldwide. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon reiterated the importance of first aid training saying “I envision that there will be a first aider in every home, school, and community. Time is of the essence in a medical emergency, and you might just be saved by a family member who is a trained first aider. Or, you never know when you’ll need to revive a loved one who is experiencing cardiac arrest, so it is always better to be prepared than sorry.” 

According to the PRC Safety Services, the First Aid Olympics corresponds to the WFAD’s theme as it bolsters first aid knowledge and skills, particularly in sports-related emergencies. 

The event has three levels: chapter, regional, and national with four categories (Red Cross Youth Senior, Red Cross Youth College, Red Cross 143 Volunteer, and Emergency Response Team (ERT).  Every participating PRC Chapter will hold a chapter-based Olympics. The winners of chapter-based Olympics will advance in the regional contest and the successful contestants will earn their right to represent their respective chapters in the national competition. The participants’ theoretical and practical first-aid knowledge and skills in solving various emergency scenarios will be tested as the competition progresses. 

The recruitment process will kick off on the celebration of WFAD 2024 this September 14 which will last until the 30th. The chapter-level Olympics will begin on October 16 while the regionals will commence on November 9. The much-awaited championship will be held simultaneously on December 5 at four strategic locations yet to be identified. 

“We’re very excited to launch this another meaningful endeavor of the PRC and I hope that all our chapters will join to encourage more people to learn first aid. Besides, we will give away newly procured first aid kits and emergency supplies worth thousands of pesos to our winners. Magagamit nila ito sa pagpapalakas ng kanilang kapasidad na makapagsalba ng mas maraming buhay,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 

The PRC’s First Aid Olympics is a part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s (IFRC) Vision 2030, a framework that provides for the integration of first aid education and practice into all health and care activities of the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies. 

Individuals and teams who are interested in joining the first-ever First Aid Olympics may visit the nearest PRC Chapter to register. 

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS CALLS FOR DONATIONS AFTER MASSIVE FIRE IN CAVITE 

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is seeking donations to intensify its relief efforts and be able to reach more vulnerable citizens affected by the massive fire incident at Sitio Kanluran, Brgy. Zapote 3, Bacoor City, Cavite on September 10, 2024. 

“The blaze in Cavite left approximately 1,000 families or 4,000 individuals homeless. We cannot be mediocre. Suffering cannot be made to continue. The Philippine Red Cross is fully committed to doing everything in its capacity to assist those affected by the fire in Bacoor, and help them rebuild their lives,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon. 

“Your donations will help reinforce PRC’s capacities to deliver various humanitarian assistance like food, water, first-aid, welfare, and health services to fire-affected communities. It will also strengthen our resources and assets to rescue and respond. Let us all unite to help our people recover from this plight,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang remarked. 

As of 8 a.m. of September 13, the PRC has distributed hot meals to 1,068 individuals in 18 evacuation centers with over 700  families or more than 3,000 individuals around Bacoor. 2,100 collapsible jerry cans (10 liters) are ready for distribution. 

Four welfare desks and eight first aid stations have been set up to accommodate the health and welfare needs of evacuees. A fire truck, a mobile clinic, five food trucks, four ambulance units with 133 patients assisted, two water tankers, and three water bladders have also been deployed. 

Health promotion activities have been conducted for 335 people, medicines and vitamins were given to  157 evacuees, and child-friendly space activities have also been given to 38 children. 

To those who are willing to donate may do so through the PRC’s official bank accounts: 

BDO 

Account name: Philippine Red Cross 

Bank Address: Port Area, Manila 

Savings-PESO Account: 0045 3019 0938 

Savings-DOLLAR Account: 1045 3003 9482 

SWIFT code: BNORPHMM 

BPI 

Account name: Philippine Red Cross 

Bank Address: Blumentritt, Chinese Gen Branch 

Current Account: 0029 6300 7828 

SWIFT code: BOPIPHMM 

Metrobank 

Account Name: Philippine Red Cross

Bank Address: Port Area, Manila

Savings – PESO Account: 151 3 04163122 8

Savings – DOLLAR Account: 151 2 15100218 2

SWIFT code: MBTCPHMM

Security Bank 

Account Name: Philippine Red Cross

Bank Address: EDSA Mandaluyong 

Savings – PESO Account: 0132 0624 6400 3

Savings – DOLLAR Account: 0132 0624 6400 2

SWIFT code: SETCPHMM

AUB

Account Name: Philippine Red Cross

Bank Address: Wack Wack, Mandaluyong 

Savings – PESO Account: 0751 1000 6379

SWIFT code: AUBKPHMM

Red Cross braces for possible storms, Mt. Kanlaon eruption

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is bracing for potential calamities as it closely monitors the southwest monsoon and low pressure areas (LPA) forming outside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), and the continuous volcano-tectonic earthquakes recorded from Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said the Red Cross national headquarters and its Chapters nationwide have been readying their assets and mobilizing RC143 volunteers and staff non-stop amid La Niña. 

“Our Operations Center has been on alert day and night since Super Typhoon Carina (Gaemi) and Tropical Storm Enteng (Yagi). We are monitoring the weather condition, especially habagat, and regularly adjusting our response and relief plans based on assessments of our current operational capacity and previous accomplishments. In the Red Cross, we live by the 4Ps: Predict, Plan, Prepare, Practice, so as soon as an emergency or disaster hits, we’re ready to assist,” he said. 

“This time of the year is always challenging for us due to the heightened threat of storms and typhoons.  We’re ensuring our emergency response teams have enough manpower and equipment, our rescue vehicles and relief trucks and tankers are ready for deployment, and our medical and blood units are well-stocked,” explained PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang. 

As part of preparedness protocols, PRC Chapters nationwide are identifying areas in their jurisdiction where water sources may be disrupted by a storm, and mobilizing volunteers and onboarding medical practitioners who can be deployed to conduct first aid, hygiene promotion, and health services. In the event of a disaster, PRC Chapters nationwide have been instructed to establish first aid stations and welfare desks at ports, airports, hospitals, and other areas where people may be stranded. 

“As for the troubling developments in Negros Oriental due to Mt. Kanlaon, our Chapters and emergency teams on the ground in Negros Island and Bacolod are prepositioning their resources for potential response and relief and coordinating with the local government.  Rest assured, the Red Cross will be there to provide support to all evacuees,” remarked Gordon. 

Many families residing within the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone around Mt. Kanlaon have been pre-emptively evacuated by the local government since September 10 due to increased seismic activity and unprecedented levels of sulfur dioxide degassing of Mt. Kanlaon.

A food truck and water tanker is already on standby in the area to provide food and water to communities in case volcanic activity escalates, as per PRC’s Operations Center. A payloader is also there in case lahar needs to be cleared from the area. 

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the LPA that developed into a tropical depression outside of PAR is headed North of Luzon as of 8 a.m. on September 12, and will likely intensify the downpour of the southwest monsoon in many areas of the country in the coming days. 

Mt. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2 on September 12, since the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded more than 200 volcano-tectonic earthquakes felt in cities in Negros Oriental on September 10.  

###

PH Red Cross gives all out relief for Bacoor Fire-affected communities

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

BACOOR, Cavite — PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon is leading the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in extending all its efforts to assist the communities affected by the fire that damaged hundreds of homes in Sitio Kanluran, Barangay Zapote III in Bacoor, Cavite on September 10.

As of 4 p.m. on September 11, the PRC Cavite Chapter has recorded 509 families or 2,545 individuals affected by the fire, as validated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Bacoor. Out of them, 494 families or 2,470 individuals are currently staying in 16 evacuation centers all over Bacoor.

RC143 volunteers and staff in Cavite immediately provided meals to around 800 evacuees at around 10 p.m. on the night of the blaze. PRC’s Safety units also treated individuals who had lacerations, abrasions, and difficulty breathing.

On September 11, two food trucks, one water tanker, two water bladders, three top stands, three ambulances, and a mobile clinic were deployed to the evacuation centers. These assets came all the way from the national headquarters in Mandaluyong City, and neighboring chapters in Batangas and Laguna.

Hot meals are continuously being served to displaced persons, while health education sessions, health consultations, vitamins distribution, and dissemination of information and educational materials are ongoing in the evacuation centers.

First aid stations and welfare desks have been set up to facilitate health and welfare services, with emergency medical service and disaster management service units on standby. Child-friendly spaces are also being established to accommodate the children belonging to the displaced families.

“We express our heartfelt sympathies to everyone whose lives have been uprooted because of this tragedy. We are exhausting all means to assist families and individuals affected by the fire in Bacoor and we will provide for their basic needs, together with the local government,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang added: “Our teams on the ground are set to conduct various activities over the coming days to ensure the evacuees are fed and well taken care of. We are prepared to deploy more of our assets and volunteers if necessary and for augmentation.”

The PRC is also calling for donations to help those affected by the fire:

BDO
Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Bank Address: Port Area, Manila
Savings – PESO Account: 0045 3019 0938
Savings – DOLLAR Account: 1045 3003 9482
Swiftcode: BNORPHMM

BPI
Account Name: Philippine Red Cross
Bank Address: Blumentritt, Chinese Gen Branch
Current Account: 0029 6300 7828
Swiftcode: BOPIPHMM

PH Red Cross receives ‘Carina’ donation from Migrant Forum in Asia

Written on . Posted in News and Events.

 The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) received a monetary donation worth P76,225 from Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA) on September 9, to aid in its relief and recovery operations for Super Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi), which struck the country in July. 

MFA is a regional network of non-government organizations, associations, and trade unions of migrant workers, as well as individual migrant rights advocates in Asia. Formed in the “Living and Working Together with Migrants in Asia” forum held in Taiwan in 1994 and represented in 27 countries in the Asia Pacific, the group campaigns for the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of migrant workers. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon extended his gratitude to MFA for generously donating to the Red Cross. “The MFA has been a supportive partner of ours in the past as we share a common advocacy for human rights. We are thankful that they reached out to help Filipino communities recover from the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina. Rest assured, the donation will enable us to further fulfill our mandate of upholding human dignity and saving lives.”

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen added, “Our sincerest thanks to our friends in the MFA, whose support and belief in the Red Cross and our programs to assist Filipinos in need is invaluable. We look forward to collaborating with the MFA on their future projects and campaigns.”  

Receiving the donation on behalf of Gordon and Pang at the PRC National Headquarters (NHQ) in Mandaluyong City was Mr. Leo Ebajo, manager of the PRC NHQ’s emergency response unit (ERU). 

MFA Program Coordinator Ms. Ma. Lorena Macabuag said this is the first time the organization has directly donated financially to the PRC. She cited the PRC’s track record of accomplishments in response, rescue, and relief during disasters that prompted the group’s members to channel the donation to the PRC. 

Previously, PRC has supported MFA’s campaigns on decent work for domestic workers, including a membership in the organizing committee of their recent forum on migration. The MFA has also partnered with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on migration projects. 

CALM AFTER THE STORM: PHIL RED CROSS PROVIDES MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT TO FILIPINOS AFFECTED BY ENTENG

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The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) immediately reached out to individuals and families severely hit during the onslaught of Typhoon Enteng (international name: Yagi) that according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) had affected 500,000 people in the country. 

As stated by the PRC Welfare Services, the office in charge of implementing the program in disaster-hit communities, the primary objectives of the PRC’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) are to protect the psychosocial well-being of distressed citizens by addressing their concerns through provision of psychological first aid, to prepare communities and humanitarian workers to cope and manage stress during challenging circumstances, and to provide support and care activities before, during, and after a crisis. 

Under this program, PRC is implementing Psychological First Aid (PFA) for adults and Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) for children—both are created to offer coping mechanisms that help ease the emotional distress of affected groups especially those who have lost their loved ones or something valuable like shelter after a catastrophe. 

In the province of Rizal with the highest recorded death count, the PRC provided psychological first aid to landslide survivors in Sitio Hinapao, Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo. Aside from this, food packs (10 kilos of rice and 25 pcs of noodles) and sleeping kits were also distributed to vulnerable families. 

Meanwhile, in Camarines Norte with one casualty, 18 missing individuals, and 75 damaged shelters, the PRC provided psychological first aid to residents in the municipalities of Mercedes and Panganiban. 

“The aftermath of a disaster is always the hardest to endure. To our kababayans, I just want to let you all know that the Red Cross is with you in these trying times; we grieve with you. Hindi kayo nag-iisa at gagawin namin ang aming makakaya para tulungan kayong bumangon at magsimulang muli,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said. 

In addition, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang believes that “Mental health is as important as physical health. Apart from the basic needs that the PRC gives during disasters and emergencies, it also offers emotional support. This program is crucial to the welfare and recovery of the vulnerable sectors PRC serves.” 

From 2012 to 2023, the PRC’s MHPSS benefitted 461,207 disadvantaged populations.  

Philippine Red Cross

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.

Address: 37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550
Emergency Hotline: 143
Trunkline +63 2 8790 2300
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