Philippine Red Cross

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.

‘Phil Red Cross continues to deliver life-saving aid as Kanlaon shows ongoing volcanic unrest

Written on January 6, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

NEGROS ISLAND, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to bring various humanitarian assistance to over a thousand affected individuals after Kanlaon Volcano had seven ash emissions and 28 volcanic earthquakes on New Year’s Day reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

According to the latest bulletin of PHIVOLCS (January 3, 12 a.m.), Kanlaon showed five ash emission events lasted from five to 116 minutes long, while 27 volcanic earthquakes including nine volcanic tremors lasted from 14 to 142 minutes. PHIVOLCS said the ash emissions generated 300-meter-high voluminous plumes and produced 4,861 metric tons of sulfur dioxide. The volcano remained under Alert Level 3 which indicates a high level of volcanic unrest.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon mentioned that “PRC is fully prepared as Kanlaon Volcano continues to show signs of increased activity. The PRC emergency response units, disaster management teams,WASH, health and welfare teams are now on the ground; ready to provide immediate relief, food, water, psychosocial support, medical assistance, and all necessary support to affected communities.”

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang urged the public to stay vigilant to ensure safety. She also thanked all the Red Cross staff and volunteers for their commitment to service even during the holiday season.

As of January 3, the PRC was able to deliver the following aid to vulnerable communities in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental: hot meals to 24,611 individuals; bread to 3,655 individuals; child-friendly space to 1,595 children; psychological first aid to 264 people; health consultations to 625 patients; health promotion sessions to 908 persons; and vital signs monitoring and treatment to 172 patients.

It supplied 1,338,500 liters of water and hygiene promotion sessions to 727 people.

The PRC also deployed three water tankers, four ambulances, four food trucks, and a payloader; it set up 26 first aid stations and 25 welfare desks.

Additionally, face masks, bottled water and IEC materials on health were also given.

The country’s foremost humanitarian organization has been at the forefront of the disaster situation which started last year after it erupted twice on June 3 and December 9.

SACRED HEART HOSPITAL MALOLOS INC. PARTNERS WITH PH RED CROSS TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT BLOOD SUPPLY FOR VULNERABLE PATIENTS

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

MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES – With the mission to save more lives through the provision of immediate access to safe, affordable, adequate, and quality blood supply, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos, Inc. inked a memorandum of agreement for blood supply distribution at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong on December 2.

The MOA states that the PRC will continue to provide blood to Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos, ensuring a steady blood supply for patients in need of blood transfusion to survive, especially the poor. The Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos is the new addition to the roster of partner hospitals of the PRC alongside Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Luke’s Medical Center, AC Healthway Cancer Care Center, and Manila Doctors Hospital.

“The vision is really simple: when you need blood, you must have it. Speed is the name of the game. When patients are asked to bring in more people to hospitals for their blood needs, that’s stressful; when they’re asked to pay for it, that’s even more stressful! We are in the vocation of alleviating the suffering of vulnerable people so we’re easing the burden not only on patients, but their families. Hindi na nila kailangang magpunta sa amin para sa dugo, we will deliver blood to their doorsteps. Makatitipid din ang mga ospital dahil hindi na nila kailangang magbayad ng tao para kumuha ng dugo dahil kami mismo ang magdadala sa ospital. We’ve been doing blood collection for 78 years, kaya naming mag-supply ng dugo sa buong bansa,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon reiterated.

Meanwhile, Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos President and CEO Renerio Jover mentioned that “this new development that the Red Cross has envisioned is fantastic. It will help hospitals because securing blood for patients is very challenging especially if you’re far from the source. I hope you can escalate this to more hospitals in far-flung provinces.”

“Today marks another significant milestone to ensure that every patient receives the care they need. The marching order of Chairman Gordon is that no one will be turned away if they need blood. We thank the Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos for this partnership and we hope that this will inspire more hospitals to partner with us as well,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

Prior to the MOA signing, the PRC through its Bulacan Chapter has been supplying blood to Sacred Heart Hospital Malolos. From January to November this year, the PRC provided 766 blood units to 435 patients.

PH RED CROSS EXTENDS HELP TO OVER 7K PEPITO-AFFECTED PEOPLE AMID SUCCESSIVE TYPHOON OPERATIONS

Written on November 19, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG. Philippines—In the middle of its ongoing humanitarian action for vulnerable communities affected by Tropical cyclones Kristine (Trami), Leon (Kong-Rey), Marce (Yinxing), Nika (Toraji), and Ofel (Usagi), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) extended aid to 7,040 individuals afflicted by the wrath of Super Typhoon Pepito (Man-Yi).

When Super Typhoon Pepito made its landfall on November 16, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon immediately mobilized PRC staff and Red Cross 143 volunteers in several areas and provinces in the country.

According to the PRC Operations Center as of November 18, the PRC provided 7,040 hot meals and 431 food donations to the affected people; psychological first aid to 5,986 citizens; hygiene promotion sessions to 120 evacuees; and child-friendly space to 56 children, among others.

The PRC also distributed 20,000 liters of clean water, medicines, vitamins, and shelter-strengthening kits. PRC’s rescue vehicles were strategically prepositioned while welfare desks, health desks, and first aid stations were also set up in various locations.

“Pepito is the 16th tropical storm this year and the sixth typhoon in less than a month that hit our country. We activated our response and relief teams to assist affected communities by this super typhoon while our responses for the other five typhoons are underway. It’s not easy, but the Red Cross makes it possible,” Chairman Gordon stated.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang assured the public that the Red Cross will continue its operations, ensuring that people have access to basic necessities like food and clean water while they’re facing the aftermath of the series of cyclones.

As of November 17, the PRC served 102,172 individuals affected by Typhoons Kristine and Leon; 3,568 people affected by Typhoon Marce; and a total of 8,682 citizens affected by Typhoons Nika and Ofel.

The PRC’s various humanitarian assistances were delivered to priority areas of Quezon, Batangas, Masbate, Apayao, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and Sorsogon.

PH RED CROSS REINFORCES RELIEF EFFORTS IN KRISTINE-HIT CAMARINES SUR, ALBAY

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

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon and Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang personally went to vulnerable communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine (international name: Trami) in Camarines Sur and Albay as part of the PRC’s intensified relief efforts on October 30.

“Personal kaming nagtungo sa mga probinsyang ito para maipadama ang pagkalinga at pagmamahal ng Red Cross sa ating mga kababayang lubhang naapektuhan ng nagdaang Bagyong Kristine. Nagpadala tayo ng ating assets gaya ng water tankers, food trucks, amphibian, 6×6 rescue trucks, at iba pa upang maipaabot ang iba’t ibang tulong at serbisyo ng PRC. Kalunos-lunos man ang ating naging karanasan, nandito kami para magbigay pag-asa at samahan kayong bumangon,” Chairman Gordon said.

The PRC distributed hygiene kits, sleeping kits, and jerry cans to 399 families or 1,995 individuals in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Additionally, the PRC also provided hot meals and clean water for the affected residents. A health caravan was also conducted wherein the beneficiaries were given medicines and Doxycycline capsules for leptospirosis prevention.

After Naga, the PRC went straight to Brgy. Malitbog, Minalabac, CamSur and dispensed packed meals, kitchen sets, and jerry cans to 400 families or 2,500 individuals.

In the afternoon, the PRC traveled to the Brgy. Zone 4, Libon, Albay to continue its relief efforts. A total of 487 families or 2,420 individuals were provided food packs and jerry cans.

Moreover, the PRC supplied hot meals and organized a health caravan wherein the residents availed free medicines, health promotion sessions, and IEC materials.

Still in Albay, the PRC went to Brgy. Buga, Libon, and distributed kitchen sets and jerry cans to 681 households. Potable water was also provided for the affected residents.

“We are continuously appealing to our donors and sponsors because our work is not yet over. The PRC has been there for our kababayans since day one. Salamat sa ating mga masisipag na volunteers sa buong bansa na kasama natin sa labang ito,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

The PRC’s Typhoon Kristine relief and recovery efforts in CamSur and Albay were made possible through the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Australian Embassy, the Canadian Red Cross, and New Zealand Aid.

As of October 30, the PRC served over 31,000 people in 49 affected provinces in the country under its STS Kristine operations.

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PHIL RED CROSS DISPATCHES 2ND BATCH OF HUMANITARIAN CARAVAN TO ‘KRISTINE’-HIT AREAS

Written on October 26, 2024. Posted in KristinePH, News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, Philippines—The country’s premier humanitarian organization, Philippine Red Cross (PRC), headed by its Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon dispatched the second batch of humanitarian caravan to provinces gravely affected by the Severe Tropical Storm ‘Kristine’ on October 25.

The additional assets include a ten-wheeler relief truck to be loaded with relief items, two 10,000-liter water tankers, two water treatment units, a service vehicle, and communication systems (three Starlink units and ten satellite phones).

In addition to the standard relief items, the PRC will target to provide mother and baby kits to support pregnant women and new mothers with infants affected by this disaster. These kits are essential for addressing the unique needs of mothers and babies in emergency situations, helping to ensure their health and well-being amid the crisis. A mini van containing 1,000 packs of loaf breads donated by a partner of PRC was also dispatched to Bicol.

“According to the report from our Operations Center, there are more than 68,000 families or over 300,000 individuals affected by ‘Kristine’—that’s pretty alarming. We are in the service of saving lives; alleviating the suffering of our people is our goal. That’s why I decided to send more of our assets and volunteers on the ground to serve and save many others,” said Chairman Gordon.

“We ensure the safety and well-being of our kababayans especially those in evacuation centers by providing them basic necessities like food and potable water. Malaking bagay ito dahil kahit umalis na ang bagyo, patuloy ang pangangailangan ng mga taong apektado,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

Last October 23, the PRC mobilized its first batch of humanitarian caravan comprised of an amphibian; two food trucks; two 6×6 rescue trucks; five rubber boats; food truck; two water tankers; two water bladders; two water filtration units; a six-wheeler truck; two generator sets; a ten-wheeler relief truck with 500 sets of jerry cans, 500 kitchen sets, 500 hygiene kits, 500 sleeping kits, and emergency telecommunication units such as satellite internet and satellite phones.

As of October 25, the PRC served hot meals to over 14,450 evacuees; provided psychological first aid to 956 individuals; child-friendly activities to 691 children; rescued 428 people; hygiene promotion sessions to 1,200 individuals; and 481 patients were given medical assistance.

The PRC has set up 53 welfare desks and 27 first aid stations. PRC has provided 6,711 liters of clean water in evacuation centers and ports. Additionally, 25,000 Doxycycline capsules were distributed in the Bicol Region for leptospirosis prevention.

The above-stated humanitarian services were delivered in thirty-three (33) typhoon-ravaged provinces nationwide.

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