Philippine Red Cross

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.

PH Red Cross Intensifies B.E.A.T. Dengue Campaign Amid Nationwide Surge in Cases

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

Responding quickly to the rising number of dengue cases in the country, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) intensifies its “B.E.A.T. Dengue Campaign” under the leadership of PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon, the B.E.A.T. Dengue Campaign is a nationwide dengue outbreak prevention and response plan that started in 2024.

“B.E.A.T.” stands for Break breeding sites by mobilizing Red Cross 143 volunteers to help mobilize communities for dengue prevention and response activities; Educate the community through the dissemination of dengue-related communication materials; Assist dengue patients and hospitals by providing ambulances, blood, welfare desks, and medical tents; and Trace dengue hotspot areas through PRC’s 102 chapters across the country.

“We don’t just provide blood for dengue patients, the ongoing beat dengue campaign around the country mobilizes communities to work together in dengue prevention and response. The dengue cases are still rising and according to the DOH, we are expecting more areas to declare dengue outbreaks. Mahalaga na handa tayo at alam natin ang gagawin para maiwasan ang pagdami pa ng kaso ng pagkakasakit. Alam natin na delikado ang dengue at maaaring makamatay. Huwag na nating iasa sa iba ang paglilinis ng kapaligiran, tayo na mismo ang kumilos para sa ating kaligtasan. Magtulungan po tayong lahat para magligtas ng buhay,” said Chairman Gordon.

According to PRC Health Services, 15 PRC Chapters have already conducted community-level dengue prevention activities such as distribution of information materials and clean-up drives in 24 key communities in Quezon City, Caloocan, Marikina, Kalinga, Bataan, Tarlac, Mountain Province, Bulacan, Abra, Cebu, Iligan, Misamis Oriental, General Santos City, Surigao Norte, and Agusan Sur; this mobilization has reached over 3,000 individuals.

“Prevention is better than cure. We don’t wait to be infected before we act. The PRC is continuously educating the public about dengue prevention, but if a dengue patient needs blood, we have a robust blood supply,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

From January to mid-February of 2025, the PRC dispensed 1,078 blood units for dengue cases, a 106% increase from 524 blood units in 2024. The public may call the PRC hotline 1158 for dengue-related concerns.

PH RECEIVES BLOODMOBILE TRUCK FROM FOTON, REINFORCING BLOOD DONATION CAMPAIGN

Written on February 4, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Quezon City Chapter acquired a brand-new bloodmobile truck from Foton Motors Philippines Inc. on February 3, intensifying the capacity of the PRC QC Chapter in blood collection to help more vulnerable people in need of blood transfusion to live.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, on behalf of PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon, mentioned, “On behalf of the PRC family, we would like to thank Foton Motors Philippines Inc. for this top-class bloodmobile truck. This will allow us to bring lifesaving blood donation services closer to communities and people, ensuring a steady supply of safe blood for patients who need it most.”

In addition to the donated bloodmobile truck from Foton, a blood laboratory from SM Foundation Inc., a water outboard motor from the PRC QC Chapter Dir. Johnny Yu, and 15 sets of firefighter suits courtesy of the PRC Board of Directors were also turned over.

“We also express our deep appreciation to SM Foundation for their generous donation to converting our warehouse to a blood laboratory. This facility will enhance our capacity to process, test, and store blood efficiently; ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality, to Dir. Johnny Yu, your donation of water outboard will greatly strengthen our emergency response, especially during floods. And to our PRC QC Chapter Board of Directors for donating 15 sets of firefighter suits which will enhance the safety and effectiveness of our firefighter volunteers in responding to fire. Each donation is a testament to the power of collaboration and unwavering humanitarian spirit that drives the PRC,” Dr. Pang added.

Representative of Foton Philippines President Rommel Sytin, Kenneth Sytin said, “This donation of a mobile truck is our way of supporting critical missions, ensuring that blood is available in times of emergencies. We share the Red Cross’ commitment to saving lives in a timely and efficient manner.”

Representative of SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs and PRC QC Chapter Board of Director Connie Angeles, Albert Uy cited, “The transformation of this warehouse into a blood laboratory is not just a renovation, but a testament to our shared commitment to health, wellness, and wellbeing of our community.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Council for Fire Volunteer Organizations of the Philippines and PRC QC Chapter Board of Director Johnny Yu remarked, “The PRC has always been a beacon of hope and inspiration. Our collective efforts have touched countless lives—transformed communities and created lasting change. We are a driving force in fighting diseases, providing blood services, supporting education and training, and disaster resiliency. With this, we would continue to support the PRC in whatever manner we can.”

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

GORDON: PH RED CROSS’ 38TH FOOD TRUCK ON THE WAY, MORE ADVANCED AND COMPLETE

Written on February 1, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES—Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman & CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon announced that the PRC just purchased a new food truck which is more advanced, an addition to its existing 37 food trucks used to provide immediate food supply for vulnerable people in evacuation centers during disasters and emergencies.

According to the PRC, the newly procured food truck (Hyundai HD78 GT 14ft Food Truck with 1 Ton Tailgate Lifter) has an air conditioning system and a refrigerator that helps in maintaining the freshness and quality of food especially if it needs to be brought to far-flung areas; it also has three solar panels. It is expected to come in February and will be positioned at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong.

PRC Chairman and the author of Food Donation Law (RA 9803), Dick Gordon stated that “The PRC is expanding and innovating. We are not only addressing hunger, but we’re giving people dignity by serving them decent and healthy meals. And we’re planning to add more food trucks in the future.”

“In times of catastrophes, food is highly essential. When you’re in an evacuation center, you cannot cook because you don’t have what you need. By serving them ready-to-eat meals, we’re alleviating the suffering of our kababayans because they don’t have to worry about it anymore. Maliit na bagay pero makabuluhan,” Chairman Gordon added.

The first four PRC food trucks were donated by Gordon in 2005 to combat malnutrition in various schools in Metro Manila. These were positioned in the PRC chapters in Pasay, NHQ-Mandaluyong, Quezon City, and Manila.

Currently, the PRC owns 37 donated food trucks prepositioned across its 102 chapters nationwide, ready to be deployed as needed. The PRC food trucks can feed a hundred individuals per hour and are equipped with industrial-size burners, steamers, and other cooking equipment. Additionally, the PRC mentioned that all ingredients for its Hot Meals on Wheels program are locally sourced to support local farmers and fisherfolk.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang mentioned “The PRC is also mobilizing professionally trained volunteer chefs and nutritionists to ensure safety and dignified hot meal preparations to vulnerable communities.”

From 2005 to January 2025, the PRC’s Hot Meals on Wheels program served 1.7 million hot meals from its numerous operations.

PRODUCING REAL-LIFE HEROES: PH RED CROSS, ELIZABETH SETON SCHOOL LAUNCH 11TH DUGTONG BUHAY BLOODLETTING DRIVE

Written on February 1, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

LAS PIÑAS, PHILIPPINES—Following the Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) call for continuous collaboration to ensure the nation’s stable blood supply, the PRC and Elizabeth Seton School kick off the 11th Dugtong Buhay bloodletting drive on January 31, 2025.

In a statement, PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed gratitude to the academic institution as well as to the blood donors for their selfless contribution to this noble cause.

“Your Philippine Red Cross remains the major blood supplier in the country; we were able to maintain this status because of every blood donor and advocate like you. On behalf of the PRC, we would like to thank the entire administration of the Elizabeth Seton School for your tireless efforts to promote the importance of blood donation. You are not just producing excellent learners but real-life heroes,” Gordon said.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, who served as guest of honor, inspired the students and school personnel by saying “The Dugtong Buhay blood donation drive began in October 1995, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Josefina Suarez and Governor Rosa Rosal. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, our previous blood drives brought in 4,000 to 6,000 bags annually, with each campus in Las Piñas and Cavite contributing 1,000 to 1,500 bags. Dugtong Buhay has achieved one of the largest single blood donations ever recorded to the PRC.”

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Seton School President Dr. Roberto “Bob” Borromeo mentioned “It’s an opportunity for members of the community—our learners and faculty to live out our values of faith, love, and selfless service. We would like our learners to recognize the value of donating blood; they’re not only here to learn but to serve and make a difference. I’d like to commend PRC for this very noble task and we hope that you continue to make a difference in the lives of others.”

“It is our way to showcase what selfless service means and especially love for others. We’ve been partnering with the PRC for the past 30 years and we’re grateful for this noble mission to save lives. With the help of PRC, we know that we will be able to generate more blood donors,” added Catherin “Kay” Ann Rosero, School Academic Director and Dugtong Buhay 11 Chairperson.

Also present at the event were Elizabeth Seton School Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Josefina Suarez, Dr. Rached Caranzo, and PRC National Blood Services Director and Assistant Secretary-General for Programs Development & Services Dr. Christie Monina Nalupta.

Dugtong Buhay is an institutional effort that aims to save lives by advocating blood donation. The actual bloodletting activity is open to the public on May 2 and 3 at Elizabeth Seton School – Las Piñas Campus.

Phil Red Cross gears up for Cebu’s Sinulog Festival 2025

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

CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES—After its successful ‘Traslacion’ operations, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) led by Chairman & CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon has been mobilizing its assets to another highly anticipated event, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu in honor of Señor Sto. Niño.

Chairman Gordon assured the public that the PRC’s presence will be felt until the end of the month-long festival.

“Prior to the Sinulog, our staff and volunteers were already deployed. Our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams will remain on standby to provide medical attention to millions of local and international tourists expected to join the festival. All of our assets are activated and we’re ready to serve,” Gordon said.

The PRC mobilized 200 volunteers, six ambulance units, two rescue boats, four service vehicles, and a food truck.

It also set up 22 first aid stations, welfare desks, water stations, a communication center, and an Emergency Field Hospital (EFH) with ten beds.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang reminded the public to take note of some safety measures in order to have a safe and solemn celebration.

“It’s very important to stay hydrated, bring snacks, and wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear. If you have a medical condition, it’s highly recommended that you bring your medical identification tag in case of an emergency. The public may also call the Red Cross by dialing 143 for assistance,” Dr. Pang stated.

The operations of the PRC started on January 9 during the Novena Mass and Walk with Jesus. It will continue its operations for upcoming festival activities such as Walk with Mary, Fluvial Parade, Solemn Procession, and the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 19.

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