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Tag: PRC

As of 8:00 am today, June 8, 2022, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has deployed volunteers and members of its basic services teams to Juban, Sorsogon, in the wake of Mt. Bulusan’s eruption last Sunday, June 5.

The PRC Welfare Services Team, which set up two Welfare Desks, provided psychosocial first aid (PFA) to 699 adults and child-friendly activities designed as PFA to 76 children who fled the Mt. Bulusan eruption. A PRC food truck, called Hot Meals on Wheels, was deployed when the volcano erupted on Sunday, June 5, and has served hot meals to 714 individuals as of 8:00 am today.

The PRC Safety Services Team, which sent one ambulance unit with trained emergency medical services personnel, set up one First Aid station and is on standby to treat and transport patients to medical facilities if needed. The team has served 59 individuals who had their blood pressure taken and has treated three patients for minor injuries. The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Unit has conducted a hygiene promotion activity for 136 individuals. 

PRC Chairman and CEO, Senator Richard J. Gordon, is monitoring the situation in Juban and providing the necessary directions to PRC volunteers and staff. “Ang Philippine Red Cross volunteers at staff ay may kasanayan at laging handang rumesponde sa ating mga kababayan sa ganitong mga oras ng emergency,” Chairman Gordon said.M

Children affected by Bulusan Eruption waiting for Philippine Red Cross Hot Meals On Wheels

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Hot Meals on Wheels distributed hot meals to 180 individuals displaced by the eruption of Mt. Bulusan, in Juban, Sorsogon yesterday, June 5, 2022.

PRC Chairman and CEO, Senator Richard J. Gordon, immediately mobilized PRC’s staff and volunteers and pre-positioned equipment and supplies as soon as he heard the news of the volcanic eruption. PRC deployed one food truck, from its Albay Chapter, as part of its Bulusan Volcanic Eruption Response. “Ang Philippine Red Cross ay laging handang tumulong sa ating mga kababayan sa oras ng mga ganitong emergency,” PRC Chairman Gordon said.

 The PRC Welfare Team also set up one Welfare Desk, which provided Psychosocial First Aid (PFA) to 301 persons who fled from the volcanic eruption. The Safety Services Team deployed one ambulance unit, from PRC’s Sorsogon Chapter, with a team of trained emergency medical services personnel, which installed a First Aid station and is on standby to treat and transport patients. The Safety Services Team served 30 clients who had their blood pressure taken and treated two patients with minor injuries. A total of 54 Red Cross 143 volunteers were mobilized.

As of 5:00 am on June 6, Mt. Bulusan is on Alert Level 1, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Entry into the 4-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and entry without vigilance into the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) are not allowed. Flying any aircraft close to the volcano is also not allowed. The PHIVOLCS warned of sudden stream-driven or phreatic eruptions in its Twitter account.

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.

Extended Million Volunteer Run 6

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) today called on runners and cyclists anew to join Million Volunteer Run 6 (MVR 6), its annual fundraising and volunteer recruitment activity. The event is extended up to June 12, 2022, with a virtual gathering of participants as the event’s finale.

MVR 6 is a non-competitive event that allows participants to complete their preferred category and distance at their own pace. They bike and/or run by themselves or in groups and upload their individual photo documentation on the event’s dashboard.

Major prizes consist of three Ogawa massage chairs, eight Trek bikes, and ten Php10,000.00 cash-prize. Minor prizes include one laptop, three tablets, five Airpods Pro, three Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatches, and five Fitbit Inspire 2 trackers.

MVR is a concrete way the public can join PRC’s network of volunteers in helping people made vulnerable by emergencies and disasters.

Registration is still open, through https://bit.ly/MillionVolunteerRun6.

75th gala event of the Philippine Red Cross Manila Chapter

On May 29, 2022, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Manila Chapter, one of PRC’s pioneer branches, celebrated the premiere humanitarian organization’s 75th anniversary through a gala that showed the role played by PRC in shaping the country’s history.

PRC Chairman and CEO, Senator Richard J. Gordon, in his inspirational message, called on all Red Cross volunteers and staff to aim high, take heart, be active, and be leaders in the Red Cross. “I’m sure we will never, never put our heads down, because service to the most vulnerable is the best service of all,” he said.

Held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the event was attended by donors, volunteers, staff, and public officials. It was one among a series of events to be held this year in celebration of PRC’s 75th anniversary.

Senator Cynthia Villar, one of the principal guests, commended PRC for being almost always the first organization to respond to emergencies and disasters. She said that this is what makes the premier humanitarian organization stand out. According to her, being a volunteer is a calling, which requires not just talent and competence but commitment and a compassionate heart.

Senator Villar appreciated the Philippine Red Cross volunteers, partners, and donors. She explained that there is great honor and privilege to be in a position to help others.

Other public figures who gave video or live messages at the event were President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vice President-elect Sara Duterte, Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and Congressman Amado Bagatsing.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) welcomed delegates from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) on May 25-26, 2022.

Present during the event were Engr. Saad Mohammed Al Qahtani, SRCA Vice President for Shared Services and Head of Delegation, and SCRA delegates, Dr. Mohammed Al Swaiah, Director of Academic Affairs and Training, Mshael Al Yahya, VP Office Manager, and Abdulaziz Al Otaibi, International Relations and Partnerships Manager. They were welcomed by PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon and PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla. 

PRC Managers shared with the delegates the different PRC services and best practices as possible areas of partnership. The delegates also visited the PRC Operations Center which serves as the nerve center of the organization that commands, controls, and delivers information.

“We are grateful that SCRA delegates are here with us to discuss partnership possibilities with the PRC. We are one in achieving our vision to alleviate human suffering and uplift the dignity of the most vulnerable,” Chairman Gordon said.

The delegates also explored areas of partnership in the National Blood Center, Molecular Laboratory, Hemodialysis Center, and Emergency Response Unit at Port Area, Manila and the PRC Manila Chapter in Intramuros.

The two-day visit aimed at establishing strategic partnerships in areas of mutual concern to both societies.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Misamis Oriental-Cagayan De Oro Chapter, in partnership with the city government of Cagayan de Oro, has administered 45,888 doses of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters from 2021 to 2022 through the PRC Bakuna Teams, fully vaccinating at least 4,161 persons as of May 29, 2022. The Bakuna Teams started tracking the number of those fully vaccinated only in February 2022.

Cagayan de Oro City is currently under Covid-19 alert level 1, which means all interzonal and intrazonal travels and all outdoor activities are allowed, subject to the local government’s guidelines. The Philippines has been open to fully vaccinated foreign tourists from all countries since April 1, 2022. 

The PRC Bakuna Teams, deployed in SM Downtown Quantum, also supports one Bakuna Center in Cagayan de Oro City. Other PRC vaccination sites in Mindanao include Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City-Maguindanao, Sulu, Davao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, Marawi City, and Zamboanga City.

 The vaccinations are part of the PRC’s Covid-19 response across the country. As of May 29, 2022, PRC has administered 1,185,628 doses of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters in the whole country, with at least 372,780 persons fully vaccinated.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon encourages those who have not been vaccinated and those who are qualified to have the first or second booster shots to get the shots, especially because the Department of Health has announced that Omicron subvariants have been detected in the country. “When the world no longer watches, we do what must be done. Mananatiling nandito ang Philippine Red Cross, handang umaksyon anuman ang magiging sitwasyon ng bansa laban sa Covid-19,” Chairman Gordon said.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in partnership with local governments, has administered more than 9,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters in Aklan from 2021 to 2022 through the PRC Bakuna Bus, fully vaccinating 4,358 persons as of May 24, 2022. Included in the areas visited by PRC’s Bakuna Bus are the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Aklan Rehabilitation Center. Other PRC vaccination sites in Visayas include Bohol, Capiz, Negros, Bogo, and Roxas City.

 The vaccinations are part of the PRC’s Covid-19 response across the country. As of May 25, 2022, PRC has administered 1,181,858 doses of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters in the whole country, with 372,553 persons fully vaccinated.

Aklan is currently under Covid-19 alert level 1, which means all interzonal and intrazonal travels and all outdoor activities are allowed, subject to the local government’s guidelines. The Philippines has been open to fully vaccinated foreign tourists from all countries since April 1, 2022. 

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon continues to encourage those who have not been vaccinated and those who are qualified to have the first or second booster shots to get the shots. “Hindi pa tapos ang laban natin sa Covid-19. Kagaya nang dati, ang Philippine Red Cross ay mananatiling nandyan para sa ating mga kababayan sa matagal na panahon, hanggang sa tayo ay maging ligtas sa peligro ng Covid-19,” Chairman Gordon said.

Red Cross at Valenzuela City for Health Caravan

Delivering health services directly to the communities, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in coordination with the Valenzuela Barangay Councils, continued its Health Caravan in Barangay Marulas, Valenzuela City on April 7, 2022.

“Laging handa ang Red Cross na magbigay serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Tiniyak natin na sa pamamagitan ng ating Caravan ay malilibot natin ang mga lugar na nangangailangan ng ating tulong at malaman ng ating mga kababayan ang mga serbisyo ng Red Cross bukod sa blood donation,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

A total of 107 Residents (97 adults, 10 children) of Valenzuela City availed of the Blood Typing Booth, First Aid and Basic Life Support Lecture and Demonstration, Health and Hygiene Promotion, and Volunteer Recruitment. Hot meals were also served to all participants.

Aside from health services, the PRC conducted a livelihood training program through its Material Recovery Facility, a project of the PRC and Netherlands Red Cross partnership completed in 2014, which trained the participants on how to do urban gardening and sell ornamental plants and other agricultural and recycled products. Beneficiaries of this program were able to increase the productivity of their livelihood assets. They even shared with the participants their livelihood operations and practices.

Since the start of the caravan in Valenzuela City in 2019, the PRC has reached 26 barangays with 2,139 participants facilitated by 276 volunteers and staff. 7 more barangays will be visited before the year ends.

The Philippine Red Cross this week started training more than 200 community-based trainers who will train Red Cross 143 volunteers across the country to respond to emergencies and disasters. Municipal coordinators for Red Cross 143 in Philippine Red Cross’ 104 chapters nationwide will attend the 4-day training in three batches from May to June this year. Using blended learning, the 4-day webinar workshop includes lectures, quizzes, group workshops, an exam, fieldwork, and a trainee’s evaluation. 

Red Cross 143 aims to promote a culture of self-help in communities by recruiting and preparing volunteers to respond to emergencies and disasters. The ultimate goal of the Red Cross 143 volunteer program is to capacitate communities to respond to emergencies and disasters on their own. It was first implemented during the Tropical Storm Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) Response in 2009.   

The trainers’ training is in line with the premier humanitarian organization’s mantra of “Volunteers + Logistics + Information Technology = A Red Cross that is Always First, Always Ready, Always There.” Training will prepare communities in the wake of PAGASA’s warning that the rainy season and La Niña will bring higher amounts of rainfall in some areas of the country this year. The Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon also instructed current volunteers and staff to ensure that they are ready to be deployed, along with Philippine Red Cross’ response assets and logistics.

Those who are interested to be trained as Red Cross 143 volunteers may contact the Red Cross chapter nearest them.

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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