Philippine Red Cross

‘PHIL RED CROSS HAS ENOUGH BLOOD FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY’-GORDON

Written on June 11, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

Relying on a voluntary blood donation system since 1947 for adequate, safe, quality and affordable blood supply, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) assures the public that it has sufficient blood for the whole nation.

“Our Assistant Secretary-General and Head of National Blood Services Dr. Christie Monina Nalupta reported to me that there is a prominent hospital in need of blood supply. In fact, we established partnerships with St. Lukes Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, AC Healthway Cancer Center and Sacred Heart Malolos for their blood supply whenever they need it,” Chairman Gordon said.

“I assure our people that the Philippine Red Cross is ready to provide blood to hospitals across the country. May daily monitoring tayo ng nakukuhang dugo mula sa blood facilities natin, inire-report ‘yan sa Operations Center namin sa National Headquarters kaya siguradong sapat ang supply ng dugo para sa ating mga kababayan,” Gordon added.

As the country’s major blood supplier, PRC ensures a steady blood supply from voluntary blood donation from its regular donors and partners, creating a culture of volunteerism through its dynamic blood donation efforts.

In 2024, the PRC collected 588,575 blood units; dispensed 608,484 blood bags; and served 301,852 patients.

From its first blood bank in 1947, the PRC now has 109 operational blood facilities nationwide.

For blood inquiries and concerns, the public may call the PRC’s hotline at 1158.

COMELEC COMMENDS PH RED CROSS FOR 2025 ELECTION EFFORTS

Written on June 10, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed appreciation to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for its contribution to the success of the recently concluded 2025 National and Local Elections.

In a commendation letter addressed to PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon on May 30, COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia thanked the humanitarian organization for its invaluable support and steadfast commitment to ensuring safe, orderly, and peaceful elections.

“The efforts of the Philippine Red Cross stand as a powerful testament to your dedication to transparency, partnership, and excellence in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic processes. The professionalism, diligence, and sense of duty displayed by your team throughout this pivotal period reflect the highest standards of public service and have not gone unnoticed,” penned Chairman Garcia.

“As we move forward and prepare for the upcoming elections, we look forward to sustaining this strong and principled partnership. With your continued support, we are confident in our collective ability to uphold the sanctity of the ballot and ensure that every Filipino vote is protected and respected,” he added.

Meanwhile, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon attributed the success of the operation to the exemplary commitment of PRC staff and volunteers, who are always ready to answer the call of duty.

“Our volunteers have been deployed to their respective assigned areas since May 9. On the election day, they were at the voting precincts at 4 a.m. until the very end. Our volunteers are not paid to do that; they even have the option to stay at home due to extreme heat, but they choose to go out and serve the people. Like I always say, nobody can beat the heart of a Red Cross volunteer. I am very proud of them,” Chairman Gordon said.

PRC is an independent, autonomous, and non-governmental organization that serves as an auxiliary to the government in the humanitarian field. It does not get its funds from the government but it assists the Philippine government in providing relief, health, and welfare services to the most vulnerable, particularly during disasters and emergencies.

According to the final ground report released by the PRC for its 2025 election operations, it assisted 11,745 patients. It deployed 2,881 staff and volunteers, 67 ambulances, 31 mobile units, 31 foot patrol units, and 21 emergency vehicles.

Additionally, it set up 413 first aid stations, a mobile clinic, and 182 welfare desks where 580 individuals were assisted.

READY FOR ACTION: PH RED CROSS ACTIVATES VOLUNTEERS, ASSETS FOR RAINY SEASON

Written on June 10, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, Philippines—Showcasing its capacity and readiness to respond to disasters, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) immediately activated its two million volunteers and emergency response assets as the rainy season begins.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon directed PRC staff and volunteers from the national headquarters and 102 chapters nationwide to plan and prepare for possible rescue and relief operations as a low-pressure area (LPA) and southwest monsoon (habagat) continue to bring rains to several parts of the country.

“The Philippine Red Cross is ready and on high alert as we officially enter the rainy season. Taun-taon tayong naghahanda para rito at mas pinapalakas pa natin ang ating kapasidad para mas marami tayong buhay na mapangalagaan at maligtas,” Chairman Gordon stated.

PRC advises the public to uphold the organization’s 4Ps in disaster management—Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice.

“Preparation is the key to survival. Our country is prone to tropical cyclones due to its geographical location, that’s why I highly urge our people to be vigilant and practice 4Ps. Nandito ang Red Cross para tulugan kayo anumang oras, pero mahalaga rin na alam ninyo kung paano tulungan ang inyong mga sarili sa oras ng sakuna,” he added.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang reminded the public to build their personal ‘Go Bag’ to prepare themselves for possible evacuation.

“Even before a disaster strikes, we encourage everyone to organize their personal ‘Go Bag’ which contains essential supplies like food, water, emergency tools, medicines, clothes, money, and important documents that can last for a few days. Mahalaga ito para handa tayo sa posibleng paglikas,” Dr. Pang said.

The PRC will mobilize its eight regional warehouses,178 ambulances, 36 food trucks, 29 water tankers, 21 Volunteer Emergency Response Vehicles (VERVs), amphibious vehicles, rescue boats, and other response vehicles, as well as a dedicated drone and satellite internet communications network.

In addition, the PRC will also mobilize 17 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) hubs equipped with mobile purification systems and emergency water bladders; three field hospitals; 128 medical tents; and 5,700 medical corps volunteers. These services are supported by PRC’s 109 blood facilities, mobile health units, and vaccination buses.

For emergencies, the public may call the PRC’s 24/7 hotline by dialing 143.

HUMANITARIAN FLEET READY FOR ACTION: PH RED CROSS RECEIVES ADDT’L ASSETS FROM PARTNERS

Written on May 29, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

Mandaluyong, Philippines—Reinvigorating its commitment to saving lives during disasters and emergencies, the Philippine Red Cross added a new set of humanitarian fleets from its partner organizations—five (5) Volunteer Emergency Response Vehicles (VERV), a service vehicle, and a bloodmobile unit. The turnover ceremony was held on May 28 at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong.

The five VERVs were donated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to be used by PRC Chapters in Northern Samar, Agusan del Sur, General Santos-Sarangai, South Cotabato, and Zamboanga Sibugay. VERV functions as a vehicle for the mobilization of volunteers during critical operations, assistance in evacuation efforts, and pick-up or delivery of lifesaving items to PRC chapters and beneficiaries. A service vehicle also from ICRC will be positioned at the PRC Chapter in Sulu.

Additionally, a new bloodmobile from the Rotary Club of San Juan Del Monte District 3800 and the Rotary Club of Gyeongju East District 3630 will be used by the PRC Rizal Chapter. This asset is equipped with donor beds, sterile blood collection systems, and donor comfort amenities, ensuring convenience in the blood donation process and rapid delivery of blood supply, especially in geographically isolated communities.

“The Philippine Red Cross has been busier and more involved. These additional assets are very useful for our continued efforts to alleviate human suffering. I’m glad to see our donors and chapters who are here today; you should help us spread and also be part of the PRC Safe Card which means you are all contributors to making sure that the Red Cross has more assets—bloodmobile units, ambulances, food trucks, water tankers, field hospitals, and so on—ang lahat ng ito ay napapakinabangan ng mga Pilipino at ng bayan,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said.

“These assets will be supporting our operations on the ground. This is so important to make our presence felt during our emergency and disaster responses. To our donors, thank you for making the PRC your partner of choice,” PRC Secretary-General and Rotary Club of Manila 101 member Dr. Gwen Pang added.

With these additional assets, the PRC now has 21 VERVs and three bloodmobile units prepositioned in various PRC chapters nationwide.

The event was graced by the members of the PRC Board of Directors, chapter administrators, and representatives from the ICRC and Rotary Club.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE: GORDON SALUTES PRC STAFF, VOLUNTEERS AFTER SUCCESSFUL 2025 ELECTION OPERATIONS

Written on May 19, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

After another historic 2025 National and Local Elections last May 12, a total of 11,745 vulnerable individuals were assisted by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed deep appreciation to 2,881 PRC staff and volunteers deployed from May 9 to 12.

“Like I always say, nobody can beat the heart of a Red Cross volunteer. I called some of our volunteers manning the first aid station positioned at the precinct where I voted to eat with me. They came to me but respectfully declined my invitation. They told me “Salamat po Chairman, pero walang magbabantay ng station at gagamot sa mga tao.” They’re not paid to do that; they even have the choice to stay at home because of extreme heat, but they choose to go out and serve the people. This is the kind of story that the world needs to know. I am extremely proud of them,” Chairman Gordon shared.

“Our volunteers have been deployed to their respective assigned areas since May 9. On the election day, they were at the voting precincts at 4 a.m. until the very end. They even saved the life of a 70-year-old voter and PPCRV volunteer at Toro Hills Elementary School in Quezon City who fell on the ground,” Gordon added.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang commended the 102 PRC Chapters for providing lifesaving services and support during the elections, ensuring public safety and well-being of voters.

“Elections are a vital part of our democracy, and the safety and well-being of every voter is just as important. I salute our teams and 102 PRC Chapters nationwide for showing up with compassion and dedication, always ready to serve without bias or hesitation. Your tireless service proves that no challenge is too great when we unite under the banner of humanity. You all make us always first, always ready, always there,” Dr. Pang said.

According to the final report of the PRC, they monitored the vital signs of 11,531 individuals and its welfare stations assisted 580 people. 192 minor and 13 major cases were treated while 9 patients were transported to hospitals by PRC ambulances.

PRC positioned 412 first aid stations and 182 welfare desks. The organization deployed 67 ambulance units, 31 mobile units, 31 foot patrol units, 21 emergency vehicles, and one mobile clinic nationwide.

It can be recalled that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Health (DOH) asked for the support of the PRC in ensuring a safe and orderly midterm elections. The partnership was formalized by the memorandum of agreement signed on March 27.

RED CROSS, PARTNERS DONATE ADD’L 42 WHEELCHAIRS TO MOBILITY-IMPAIRED FILIPINOS

Written on March 29, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

IMUS, CAVITE—With a shared mission to bring hope and enhance productivity of individuals with mobility impairments, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Rotary Club of Manila 101, Wheelchair Foundation, and Chair the Love distributed an additional 42 wheelchairs to beneficiaries in Cavite as part of the second phase of the Mobility for Dignity project on March 29, 2025.

Established in 2021, the project aims to improve productivity among mobility-impaired Filipinos by helping them find employment opportunities, for children to continue their studies, and encourage beneficiaries to live normal lives through the gift of mobility.

“Hope begins with us. I would like to extend my gratitude to our partners for giving us the opportunity to distribute wheelchairs to beneficiaries in many parts of the country,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon.

“Ang bawat wheelchair ay may kwento ng pag-asa. Hindi lang ito basta isang upuan, kundi simbulo ng pag-asa, pagbibigay ng dignidad, at kalayaan sa ating beneficiaries. Gaya nga ng sabi ni Chairman Gordon, “When we give mobility, we give freedom, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose,” PRC Secretary-General and Rotary Club of Manila 101 member Dr. Gwen Pang stated.

The mother of a wheelchair beneficiary, Michelle Pagdanganan shared that she carries her eight-year-old son John, who was diagnosed with an inborn orthopedic disability, every day to attend school. Now that John has a brand-new wheelchair, it will help his child to be more independent and driven to achieve his dream of becoming a banker someday.

She added that the timing is perfect because John, also an honor student, will be attending his recognition day this April.

Currently, 540 brand-new wheelchairs have been distributed to several beneficiaries in Baguio, Benguet, Caloocan, Cavite, Malabon, Manila, Pasay, Paranaque, Antipolo, Pateros, San Juan, Muntinlupa, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, La Union, and Occidental Mindoro.

PH RED CROSS HOLDS CONFERENCE-EXHIBIT ON RECYCLING AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Written on March 26, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

INTRAMUROS, MANILA—Strengthening its commitment to raising environmental awareness, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) hosted a conference on recycling and circular economy with the theme “From Waste to Solutions: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Alternatives to Single-use Plastics” held at Intramuros, Manila on March 25.

The program started with panel discussions on optimizing the waste-to-resource chain and unlocking business opportunities in the circular economy. It was followed by an exhibition of upcycled and eco-friendly products, and a roundtable discussion. Local government units in Metro Manila, non-governmental organizations, and recycling companies participated.

“The Circular Economy project has already achieved remarkable results. We have organized 15 associations, primarily in Manila and Navotas. These associations have become more than just groups of waste workers — they are now empowered communities, equipped with the tools and knowledge to operate more effectively and improve their livelihoods. This initiative proves that when we invest in people, we create ripples of change that extend far beyond the individual,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang remarked.

“We are here not just to talk but to act — to find solutions, foster collaboration, and create long-term impacts for our communities and our environment,” she added.

This initiative is part of the project titled “Promotion of a Green and Circular Economy Through Civil Society Engagement and Good Governance in Highly Urbanized Coastal Cities in the Philippines”, a three-year developmental project of the PRC, Spanish Red Cross, European Union, and Eibarko Udala that focuses in areas of Manila, Navotas, and Zamboanga City.

It aims to educate local government units and private companies on the importance of solid waste management and provide livelihood opportunities to citizens through recycling, upcycling, and the creation of community savings groups.

PHIL RED CROSS DISTRIBUTES OVER 6M LITERS OF WATER IN Q1 2025

Written on March 26, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

In celebration of World Water Day 2025 with the theme ‘Glacier Preservation’ on March 22, Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon stated that the humanitarian organization distributed a total of 6,218,200 liters of water to 8,435 individuals for its Mount Kanlaon operations in the first quarter of the year, staying committed to its mission to providing clean and safe drinking water to vulnerable communities in times of distress.

“In our everyday lives, especially during disasters and emergencies, water is a crucial need. Your Philippine Red Cross has water tankers prepositioned in our headquarters and 102 chapters nationwide, ready to respond and provide potable water if the need arises,” Chairman Gordon said.

“From January to March this year, we already dispensed over 6 million liters of water, possibly surpassing nearly 9 million liters we gave last year,” he added.

In 2024, the PRC provided 8,956,091 that benefitted 241,604 individuals from various responses such as shear line and trough of Low-Pressure Area (LPA), El Niño, Mt. Kanlaon, Daraga Prime Water support, Bacolod City water shortage, Cavite and Manila massive fire incidents, Typhoon Carina, Mindanao flooding, and the six successive tropical cyclones (Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito).

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang remarked that aside from water distribution, “PRC’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) unit in partnership with the PRC chapters are actively conducting hygiene promotion sessions, proper handwashing demonstrations, and hygiene kits distributions in various schools, establishments, and communities.”
Currently, the PRC owns 29 water tankers with a capacity of five to twelve thousand liters each and 44 water treatment units.

PH RED CROSS ALERTS THE PUBLIC AGAINST HEAT-RELATED EMERGENCIES AMID RISING HEAT INDICES

Written on March 5, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) warns the public against heat-related emergencies such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which are very common with high heat indices.

According to the PRC, heat-related emergencies are heat-induced emergencies that can happen when prolonged exposure to high temperatures affects the body’s natural temperature control system. When the body cannot effectively dissipate the excessive heat, its temperature rises, leading to an emergency.

The PRC stated that children, persons with disabilities (PWDs), elderlies, and outside workers are among the most at high risk of heat-related emergencies. Hence, several local government units in the country announced class suspensions on March 3 and 4 following warnings from the state bureau PAGASA of areas under ‘danger’ classification with temperatures ranging from 45°C to 46°C.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon shared simple tips on how to stay safe and protected.

“There are three simple things to remember to protect yourself and your loved ones against heat-related emergencies, specifically heat stroke: first is to stay hydrated and avoid sugary drinks, second is to stay in well-ventilated areas, and third is to wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. I also advise the public to stay indoors unless extremely necessary,” Gordon said.

The PRC announced that the symptoms of heat stroke are the absence of sweating; red, hot, dry, and flushed skin; confusion, and disorientation. Moreover, the symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, paleness, dizziness, vomiting, fainting, and moist skin.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang reiterated that the public may call the PRC Hotline 143 which is accessible 24/7 for those who might experience symptoms of heat-related emergencies.

“If someone experiences symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, move the patient to a cooler area, spray water on the skin, immerse the patient in cool water (for heat stroke), have the patient drink an Oral Rehydration Solution (for heat exhaustion), and call the PRC’s 24/7 hotline at 143 for immediate assistance,” Dr. Pang added.

PRC offers 24/7 ambulance services, with its 178 ambulance units strategically positioned nationwide.

BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY: PH RED CROSS, ARMY SIGNAL REGIMENT UNITE TO STRENGTHEN BLOOD DONATION CAUSE

Written on February 19, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City—Amid the high demand for blood due to the rising cases of dengue in the country, a memorandum of undertaking that intensifies the partnership on blood donation campaign between the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Army Signal Regiment (ASR) of the Philippine Army was signed on February 18, 2025, at the ASR Headquarters in Taguig City.

The agreement states that the PRC and ASR shall conduct a regular blood donation activity to ensure continuous and ready availability of blood.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang pointed out the importance of the partnership to contribute to the nation’s blood requirement.

“Sa ating bansa, ang pangangailangan natin ng dugo ay nasa 1.2 million bags of blood annually. Ang PRC ay nakakalikom ng more than 500,000 bags of blood, ang remaining amount of blood ay galing sa iba’t ibang private and government organizations. As a single organization, tayo po ang may pinakamalaking ambag. Nag-invest po talaga ang Red Cross ng 108 blood service facilities all over the country, para kahit saan ka man magpunta ay may access ang tao sa dugo,” Dr. Pang said.

“Hindi lamang po ito isang pormal na kasunduan, ito po ay isang panata na patuloy nating gagampanan ang ating mga tungkulin hindi lang sa pagtatanggol sa ating bayan, kundi pati na rin sa pagsagip ng buhay sa pamamagitan ng blood donation,” Dr. Pang added.

“This MOU is not just a document but a testament to our shared commitment to service that extends beyond our sworn duty to protect our nation, reaching the very core of humanitarian assistance—sharing our precious blood so that others may live. Salamat sa inyo dahil maraming pagkakataon na nabigyan ng dugo ang sugatan namin mga kasama sa field. As we sign this agreement, let this be the start of a strengthened partnership. Together, we ensure that no call for help is left unanswered and no life is lost due to lack of resources,” Brig. Gen. Jamel Samonte PA stressed.

336 blood units have been collected since the partnership between the PRC and ASR began in 2021.

The next nationwide bloodletting activity of PRC and ASR will take place on March 7 this year.

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