Bacolod City, Negros Occidental – On May 29, 2023, a smoke inhalation incident occurred during a Physical Education Examination at Bacolod City College, prompting a swift response from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Bacolod City – Negros Occidental Chapter and other local rescue agencies. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM and was caused by a chemical brought by a class of students for an experiment, resulting in chemical poisoning as reported by the school doctor. A total of 22 individuals were affected by the smoke inhalation and chemical exposure.
“Emergencies like the smoke inhalation incident at Bacolod City College remind us of the importance of preparedness and swift action. PRC is dedicated to providing immediate assistance in such situations, and I commend our team in Bacolod City who responded promptly to ensure the well-being of those affected. We remain committed to our mission of saving lives and serving the community in times of need,” said PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon.
PRC’s response included dispatching one ambulance with four emergency medical services personnel to provide immediate medical assistance. The medical team treated 14 individuals on the scene who were experiencing symptoms such as hyperventilation and dizziness, stemming from the chemical exposure.
The PRC encourages the public to prioritize safety and adhere to proper protocols when handling chemicals or engaging in experiments to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) stepped up aid to residents of Negros Occidental after several cholera cases were recorded in municipalities of Bacolod City, Silay City, EB Magalona, Victorias City, and Talisay City. The local government of Silay City and EB Magalona declared a cholera outbreak. As of October 21, the province reported a total of 26 confirmed cases and 78 suspected cases since September 27.
PRC, through its Negros Occidental Bacolod City Chapter, provided hygiene promotion (handwashing session and Zero Open Defecation Campaign) to 237 individuals and put water tankers, bladders, and water purification kits on standby for immediate deployment. The Hygiene promotion program of the PRC aims to deliver information on proper sanitation and hygiene to prevent water and sanitation-related diseases (e.g., cholera, diarrhea).
“Many of our kababayans from vulnerable communities suffer from infectious diseases because of poor sanitation and lack of access to safe water, and sometimes this becomes fatal. Kami, sa PRC (Philippine Red Cross) katuwang ang mga volunteers at staff, ay patuloy na maghahatid ng malinis na tubig, hygiene kits, at proper hygiene promotion sa
Celebrating its 75th Founding Anniversary, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) announced the approval of additional three branches on May 12, 2022.
The announcement was management’s implementation of the directive of the Board of Governors to set up the Alang-alang Branch in Leyte Chapter and La Carlota City and San Carlos City Branches in Negros Occidental-Bacolod City Chapter.
The newly established branches in Visayas are a fulfillment of the PRC’s mandate to support the government by bringing its services and programs closer to the most vulnerable communities. In coordination with the Leyte Chapter in Tacloban City and Alang-alang Municipality, the Alang-alang branch has scheduled its Mobile Blood Donation to make blood more accessible to the community. Likewise, La Carlota City and San Carlos City branches have started providing blood services to their communities.
In addition, these branches have ongoing recruitment for Red Cross 143 and Red Cross Youth Council members.
“Sa paggunita natin ng ating ika-75 anibersaryo, handog ng Red Cross ang mga bagong branches para sa ating mga kababayan sa Visayas. Makatitiyak ang ating mga kababayan na mas malapit na ang mga serbisyong ating ibabahagi sa kanila,” Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.
To date, the PRC has 102 active chapters with 40 branches nationwide that are always first, always ready, and always there to provide sustained and effective humanitarian services.
