Philippine Red Cross

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

Written on September 9, 2024. 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

Written on September 7, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

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.

Over 4,800 ‘Enteng’ evacuees receive health, hygiene services from PH Red Cross

Written on September 6, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has provided health and hygiene services to more than 4,800 individuals affected by Tropical Storm Enteng (internationally known as “Yagi”) from September 2 to 6.

As of 12 noon on September 6, the PRC’s Health units have conducted health promotion and awareness sessions on common diseases during the rainy season like dengue and leptospirosis for 1,716 evacuees in Marikina, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Caloocan, Bulacan, Laguna, and La Union.

Around 670 individuals in Quezon City, Manila, and Valenzuela received medicines, vitamins, and doxycycline (anti-leptospirosis medication). 56 people in Bataan and La Union were also given hygiene kits, while 244 people in Bulacan, La Union, and Nueva Ecija received information and education materials distributed by RC143 volunteers and staff.

Meanwhile, 2,176 evacuees in Marikina, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Valenzuela, Laguna, and Pangasinan participated in hygiene promotion activities led by PRC’s wash, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) teams. Children were taught proper hand washing with soap, and other sanitation practices.

“Health is a top priority for the Red Cross. In times of calamities, it’s not enough simply to survive, but to stay alive. Since disaster-stricken areas harbor many diseases, we aim to inform families and communities about how to identify health risks and treat these illnesses. We ask the public to always be mindful of their surroundings, and continue to be on alert,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang emphasized that the PRC’s health and hygiene promotion campaigns go hand-in-hand. “Teaching children the proper way to wash their hands is a vital way of ensuring cleanliness and preventing sickness. Our volunteers and staff are assisting people to develop proper sanitation habits when they return to their homes.”

As of 1 p.m. on September 6, the PRC has mobilized five food trucks, served hot meals to 9,671 individuals, and distributed food items (bread/donuts) to 7,363 people in evacuation centers in Metro Manila, and provinces in Regions I, III, IV-A, and VIII.

Volunteers and staff have given psychological first aid to 321 individuals in need of psychosocial support. 416 children have participated in child-friendly space activities in the evacuation centers, while welfare desks have been established in 47 areas, and 37 first aid stations have been set up.

More than 600 volunteers, consisting of over 560 RC143 and over 70 Red Cross Youth, have been mobilized for the PRC’s rescue and relief operations for Tropical Storm Enteng.

RMN FOUNDATION, PHIL RED CROSS CONDUCT SERBISYO CARAVAN TO TYPHOON-AFFECTED VULNERABLE GROUPS

Written on September 5, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

STA. ANA, MANILA- To celebrate the Radio Mindanao Network Foundation’s (RMNF) 12th anniversary, RMNF partnered with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for the first-ever “Serbisyo Caravan” for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) affected by the typhoons Carina and Enteng at Brgy. 892 Zone 99, District VI Sta. Ana, Manila on September 5, 2024.

The PRC deployed 21 medical personnel and volunteers from its Manila Chapter, providing a range of humanitarian services including free medical consultations, basic first aid and life support training, talks on monkeypox and leptospirosis, and distribution of medicines and vitamins for both children and adults.

Meanwhile, RMNF and other partners offered hot meals, food packs, free haircuts, dental care, and massage services to the attendees.

“RMN Networks has been our ally for many years and I am very proud to say that our partnership with them remains firm. I believe the reason is that the PRC and RMN uphold the same values, principles, and mission to serve humanity. Happy Anniversary RMN Foundation and wishing the Canoys and your dynamic organization more success as you continue to inspire many more lives,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang shared that “RMN has been a reliable comrade of PRC in its blood donation campaign. In 2023, it collected 691 blood units through the Dugtong-Buhay bloodletting activities which greatly contributed to PRC’s goal to ensure sufficient blood supply.”

“We actually received word from this barangay three times asking for help due to recent typhoons. Nagpapasalamat ang RMN Foundation sa suporta ng Philippine Red Cross not only by providing informative talks but also by giving medical services to our beneficiaries who came today. With the help of PRC, siguradong nakararating ang aming serbisyo sa buong Pilipinas. Literal na umulan ng biyaya ngayong araw,” RMN Networks Vice President for Operations and Head of the Corporate Communications Enrique Canoy added.

The Serbisyo Caravan served 100 vulnerable individuals. The RMNF plans to expand the program to reach more people in need.

Red Cross calls for donations for victims of habagat, Tropical Storm Enteng

Written on September 3, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is calling for donations to help the people affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon (or “habagat”) and Tropical Storm Enteng (internationally known as “Yagi”).

“Just a month after Super Typhoon Carina, another storm has hit us, with the southwest monsoon and Tropical Storm Enteng causing massive flooding and landslides. This has not only disrupted the day-to-day lives of many communities, but has also claimed lives. We are appealing to all to donate any amount you can so that we can enhance our relief efforts for everyone affected,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang remarked: “Your donations will help reinforce our organization’s capacities to give food, water, and other basic necessities to affected communities; strengthen our resources and assets for rescue and response; as well as provide health services as they recover from the disaster. We ask everyone to unite with us in this effort.”

Locals or those residing in the Philippines who are willing to donate may do so through the PRC’s official bank accounts in BDO, BPI, Metrobank, Security Bank, and Asia United Bank (AUB).

Meanwhile, foreigners or those residing outside the country can donate through this link: https://donate.redcrossredcrescent.org/ph/PRCEmergencyAppeal/~my-donation

As of 1 p.m. on September 3, the PRC has distributed hot meals (arroz caldo, etc.) to 1,314 individuals in evacuation centers in Masbate, Marikina, Valenzuela, Pasig, Northern Samar, and Quezon City. Donuts from PRC’s partner Dunkin’ Donuts have also been distributed to 1,383 evacuees in Marikina.

Seven welfare desks and seven first aid stations – each in Negros Occidental, Sorsogon, Cavite, Marikina, Valenzuela, and Pasig – have also been set up to accommodate the health and welfare needs of individuals.

Psychological first aid has been given to 255 persons in Marikina, while health promotion activities have been conducted for 296 people in Valenzuela. Four ambulances have also been mobilized in Negros Occidental, Sorsogon, Cavite, and Muntinlupa.

As of 2 p.m. on September 3, over 140 evacuation centers remain open, housing 7,055 families or 30,235 individuals in Cebu, Cavite, Rizal, Camarines Norte, and Metro Manila.

Red Cross ramps up Tropical Storm Enteng rescue, relief ops

Written on September 3, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is ramping up its rescue and relief operations to aid individuals affected by flooding in various areas in Luzon and Visayas due to heavy rains from the southwest monsoon enhanced by Tropical Storm Enteng (international name: Yagi).

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon has instructed the national headquarters and its Chapters to mobilize its RC143 volunteers and staff to implement its preparedness measures, deploy its prepositioned equipment and vehicles, and ensure chapters operate in optimal capacity.

“We have been preparing our assets for intensified rains even prior to the entry of tropical storm Enteng. Our rescue boats, amphibians, ambulances, and water tankers have been deployed, with our trucks and payloaders on standby. Our dedicated staff and volunteers in Mandaluyong and in our chapters are promptly responding to calls for rescue in flooded areas. Our Welfare teams are also readying our food trucks to serve hot meals in evacuation centers,” said Gordon.

The PRC has so far assisted and rescued 40 individuals in Camarines Sur (Naga City), 47 in Cavite, and 13 in Albay with the help of the local governments. A 6×6 RLW truck has been sent out to Marikina from the PRC headquarters to aid in operations. A humvee is also on its way to San Isidro, Rizal to augment the Rizal Chapter’s current capacity.

As of 3 p.m. on September 2, PRC units are assisting 4,534 families or 19,812 individuals in 72 evacuation centers (EC) in gravely hit areas in Metro Manila (Muntinlupa, Marikina, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Navotas, Taguig, Malabon, Pasig and Paranaque), Rizal and Cavite. Welfare teams have served 35 hot meals to stranded passengers at the Masbate City port.

“We laud our volunteers and staff, especially those who are braving the flood waters to rescue citizens, and those preparing hearty meals for displaced people in evacuation centers. We are on alert 24/7, but we are particularly monitoring the water dam levels, because if it rises, especially alongside the high tide, flooding will worsen,” Gordon added.

The PRC also continues to be on the lookout for growth in dengue and leptospirosis cases, with the Health and Blood services securing enough anti-leptospirosis medication (Doxycycline) for the chapters, and ensuring blood supplies are adequate.

“We have seen an influx in dengue and leptospirosis in recent weeks, in part because of persistent rains. We expect an increase in the risk of leptospirosis transmission due to the floods. We strongly advise the public to avoid wading in flood waters, and contact their nearest health centers as soon as symptoms are felt,” said PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecast continuous heavy to intense rains until September 4 in many parts of Northern and Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol Region.

Waist- to chest-deep floods were reported in Las Pinas City and Rizal province, while ankle- to knee-deep flooding were seen in Naga City, Legazpi, Albay, Masbate, Paranaque, Malabon, Bulacan, Quezon City, Cavite, Marikina, Navotas, and Caloocan. Malacanang has also suspended all government work and classes in all levels of public and private schools in Metro Manila.

RED CROSS REPATRIATES 4TH OFW THIS YEAR UNDER LAST MILE INITIATIVE PROGRAM

Written on September 2, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Singapore Red Cross (SRC) sent home the fourth Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Singapore for this year this September 1, 2024.

46-year-old Alias “Cherry” was diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage and aneurysm. She’s the fourth domestic helper who was sent home under the Last Mile Initiative Program of the PRC and SRC which aims to support distressed migrant workers who are struggling to return to their families in the Philippines due to their medical conditions.

The other three repatriated OFWs this year were Aliases “Victoria” on January 27 and “Angelou” and “Gracia” both sent home last August 28. The program was able to send home seven (7) OFWs since its inception in 2020.

“They (OFWs) decided to work overseas because of their love for their families. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. It is important for us at the Red Cross to help them reunite with their families, especially now that we have just entered “Ber” months and Christmas is fast approaching. Huwag silang masyadong mag-alala at malungkot dahil nandito kami para tulungan silang makabangon muli,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon.

The SRC staff and medical team accompanied the patient from Changi Airport to the Philippines. Meanwhile, the PRC provided wheelchairs and ambulance services for “Cherry” and assisted her back in Pangasinan. According to the PRC, it will continue to monitor the patient’s health condition and possibly provide livelihood support for her welfare and recovery.

“We have already sent home seven distressed OFWs and will continue to help and reach more. This meaningful endeavor would not be possible without the combined passion and hard work of the PRC and SRC teams as well as the continued support of the Clark International Airport, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Department of Tourism (DOT). Masaya kami na makatulong sa ating mga kababayan pauwi sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

For questions and inquiries on the Last Mile Initiative program, contact the PRC Welfare Services at 09175974702 or visit the Philippine Red Cross official page.

RED CROSS, NAVOTAS LGU INK MOA ON GREEN AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY PROJECT

Written on August 31, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

NAVOTAS CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Spanish Red Cross (SRC), and the local government of Navotas inked a memorandum of agreement on the project entitled: “Promotion of Green and Circular Economy Through Civil Society Engagement and Good Governance in Highly Urbanized Coastal Cities in the Philippines” on August 30, 2024.

According to the agreement, the Navotas LGU will be a key partner of PRC and SRC for the implementation of the project in its four barangays: NBBS Kaunlaran, NBBS Dagat-dagatan, NBBS Proper, and North Bay Boulevard North.

Funded by the European Union and Eibarko Udala, the project which was launched in December 2022 aims to reduce waste and provide livelihood by promoting sustainable development and a circular economy in three coastal cities in the country: Zamboanga City (six barangays), Manila City (one barangay), and Navotas City (four barangays). The project will expand to cover more areas as it targets 200,000 beneficiaries by 2025.

Moreover, the project emphasizes reducing the use of single-use plastics, reusing materials, and fostering behavioral change to create a system where nothing ends up in landfills. By promoting a circular economy, it seeks to build stronger, more resilient communities while addressing the environmental challenges of waste and pollution.

The project has two components: first, enhancing Solid Waste Management (SWM) that can be achieved by providing LGUs and citizens, especially garbage collectors the proper technical training on SWM. Secondly, providing livelihood which can be attained through organizing community savings groups (CSGs) which not only support their financial needs but also promote social cohesion.

“We aim to achieve a cleaner, more sustainable, and progressive Navotas City. This program can also be a model program that can be replicated by other cities in the country. We also aim to be effective in waste management, providing livelihood, and promoting a circular economy. Through this project, we are not only protecting the environment and promoting sustainability, we also build stronger and more resilient communities for generations to come,” said PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang.

Spanish Red Cross Head of Delegation Maria Grazia Pressacco shared that “Working on this

project is very challenging because It’s something new. But we believe that this project is something really important for humanity because we are facing the challenges of climate change every day.”

“Today is a significant milestone to join hands with PRC and SRC to promote this project. Navotas City is one of the biggest fishports so the main industry here is fishing. It’s very important that we have clean water so we have more fish to catch. Our city is also the only city that hosts a landfill in Metro Manila. We allow others to dump there. Although our city earns from that, we’ve decided to close it next year. This project happened at the most opportune time, as we face the challenge of reducing waste,” Navotas City Mayor Hon. John Reynald Tiangco added.

As of August 30, the project was able to conduct research studies, workshops, training, organize CSGs, community engagement activities, and volunteer recruitment, among others.

Signatories of the MOA were PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, Navotas City Mayor Hon. John Reynald Tiangco, Spanish Red Cross Head of Delegation Maria Grazia Pressacco, and Acting City Environment and Natural Resources Officer EnP. Yzabela Bernardina Nazal-Habunal.

Red Cross sends blood, calls for blood donors amid dwindling blood supply in Baguio

Written on August 30, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

Following reports of Baguio hospitals’ dwindling blood supplies, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will send additional blood bags to the city as it calls on more members of the public to donate blood.

The PRC national headquarters in Mandaluyong will initially send 20 units of blood, through the PRC Baguio Chapter, and will send more in the coming days as needed.

“Rest assured, blood is always available at the Red Cross, and our blood drives help us maintain a steady blood supply. However, the rise in dengue cases which have increased required blood transfusions entails an urgent need to pool more people together to ensure our blood stocks will not be easily depleted,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

“We encourage everyone to seize this opportunity to help our fellow kababayans in their hour of need. Your blood will not just help dengue fever patients, but also patients with leukemia, cancer, and those undergoing dialysis. When we give blood, we give hope. Help us save lives,” he added.

“The Red Cross is staying true to its promise that every person in this country, no matter the time or place, can avail of blood. Our Blood Bank in Baguio has a capacity of 600 blood units. We are exerting all our efforts to help augment blood supplies in hospitals. People’s survival and well-being are our utmost priority,” added PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang.

The PRC Baguio Chapter is in continuous coordination with the local government of Baguio City to assist in blood donations.

It is actively communicating with the Blood services unit of the PRC national headquarters for support in augmenting platelet concentrates. The Chapter is also continuing blood drives and activities, alongside text brigades and donor recall.

The PRC Baguio Chapter, located at Harrison Road, Baguio City, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-in blood donors. The Chapter can be contacted at 09088852707.

Interested blood donors can also go to PRC Benguet Chapter, located at BeGH Compound, Km.5, La Trinidad, for walk-in blood donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It can be reached through mobile or landline (074- 422- 2796; 09104117713) for concerns or inquiries.

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS, SINGAPORE RED CROSS SEND HOME TWO OFWs FROM SINGAPORE

Written on August 30, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) worked together to facilitate the repatriation of two Filipina domestic helpers from Singapore on August 28, 2024.

This joint undertaking of PRC and SRC is in line with the Last Mile Initiative program which aims to support distressed migrant workers who are struggling to return to their families in the Philippines due to their medical conditions. The project was able to send home six (6) OFWs since its inception in 2020.

“Now it’s clear to everyone that the Philippine Red Cross is not only for blood needs. In partnership with the SRC, we were able to reunite our sick kababayans from Singapore with their families. Kusang loob, malasakit, at kapwa-tao—these are the virtues we live by,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said.

The fifth and sixth OFWs previously sent home were aliases “Angelou” and “Gracia.” Both of them worked as domestic helpers in Singapore.

Based on the medical findings, “Angelou”, aged 45, was diagnosed with a right-sided stroke. She underwent a clot removal procedure last March 8.

Forty-nine-year-old “Gracia”, on the other hand, was diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm. She was hospitalized at the National University Hospital Neurosurgery from August 7 to 26.

The SRC staff and medical team accompanied the patients from Changi Airport back to the Philippines. Meanwhile, the PRC provided wheelchairs and ambulance services for both patients and assisted them to their respective provinces of Tuguegarao and General Santos. Aside from this, the PRC also stated that it will continue to monitor the health conditions of the patients and possibly provide livelihood programs for their welfare and recovery.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang thanked PRC’s partners who contributed to the success of the repatriation efforts, saying, “On behalf of the Philippine Red Cross, I would like to echo our profound gratitude to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and to our local chapters in Cagayan and General Santos. Everything is indeed attainable if we work together.”

For questions and inquiries on the Last Mile Initiative program, contact the PRC Welfare Services at 09175974702 or visit its Facebook page.

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