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 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.

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.

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.

GORDON: AT RED CROSS, EVERY DAY IS GLOBAL HANDWASHING DAY

Written on October 16, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, Philippines— The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) joined the annual celebration of the Global Handwashing Day 2024 with the theme: “Why are clean hands still important?” on October 15.

This global advocacy day is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases that save lives.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon underscored the important role the PRC plays in promoting this advocacy especially to the most vulnerable during disasters and emergencies.

“Although we only celebrate it every 15th of October, I must say that every day is Global Handwashing Day at the Red Cross because our response is 24/7. We have a solid Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) office that delivers various humanitarian services like the distribution of clean water, hygiene promotions, hygiene kits, and awareness seminars almost every day for any disaster and emergency reported to us across the country. We have 29 water tankers, 41 water filtration units, and other assets, ” said Gordon.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang reiterated that “Clean hands remain a fundamental defense against the spread of infections, illnesses, and harmful germs. PRC is committed to creating a safer world for everyone by amplifying this message.”

56-year-old Arlene Grabillo, expressed her gratitude to PRC for supporting her and other evacuees of the recent massive fire incident in Bacoor, Cavite: “Nagpapasalamat kami sa Red Cross, kay Senator Gordon, kay Dr. Gwen, sa malinis na tubig at iba pang tulong na ipinadadala nila dito sa amin. Dahil po sa inyo, kahit nasa evacuation center kami ay napapanatili ang aming kalusugan dahil nalilinis namin ang aming mga kamay at katawan.”

To accelerate awareness at the grassroots level, the PRC National Headquarters encourages its staff and volunteers across PRC’s 102 Chapters nationwide to continue to conduct relevant activities such as hygiene promotions, dialogue sessions on the importance of handwashing in schools and communities, distribution of hygiene kits, and Soap Recycling Workshops, among others.

RED CROSS REPATRIATES 4TH OFW THIS YEAR UNDER LAST MILE INITIATIVE PROGRAM

Written on September 2, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Singapore Red Cross (SRC) sent home the fourth Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Singapore for this year this September 1, 2024.

46-year-old Alias “Cherry” was diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage and aneurysm. She’s the fourth domestic helper who was sent home under the Last Mile Initiative Program of the PRC and SRC which aims to support distressed migrant workers who are struggling to return to their families in the Philippines due to their medical conditions.

The other three repatriated OFWs this year were Aliases “Victoria” on January 27 and “Angelou” and “Gracia” both sent home last August 28. The program was able to send home seven (7) OFWs since its inception in 2020.

“They (OFWs) decided to work overseas because of their love for their families. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. It is important for us at the Red Cross to help them reunite with their families, especially now that we have just entered “Ber” months and Christmas is fast approaching. Huwag silang masyadong mag-alala at malungkot dahil nandito kami para tulungan silang makabangon muli,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon.

The SRC staff and medical team accompanied the patient from Changi Airport to the Philippines. Meanwhile, the PRC provided wheelchairs and ambulance services for “Cherry” and assisted her back in Pangasinan. According to the PRC, it will continue to monitor the patient’s health condition and possibly provide livelihood support for her welfare and recovery.

“We have already sent home seven distressed OFWs and will continue to help and reach more. This meaningful endeavor would not be possible without the combined passion and hard work of the PRC and SRC teams as well as the continued support of the Clark International Airport, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Department of Tourism (DOT). Masaya kami na makatulong sa ating mga kababayan pauwi sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

For questions and inquiries on the Last Mile Initiative program, contact the PRC Welfare Services at 09175974702 or visit the Philippine Red Cross official page.

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS, SINGAPORE RED CROSS SEND HOME TWO OFWs FROM SINGAPORE

Written on August 30, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) worked together to facilitate the repatriation of two Filipina domestic helpers from Singapore on August 28, 2024.

This joint undertaking of PRC and SRC is in line with the Last Mile Initiative program which aims to support distressed migrant workers who are struggling to return to their families in the Philippines due to their medical conditions. The project was able to send home six (6) OFWs since its inception in 2020.

“Now it’s clear to everyone that the Philippine Red Cross is not only for blood needs. In partnership with the SRC, we were able to reunite our sick kababayans from Singapore with their families. Kusang loob, malasakit, at kapwa-tao—these are the virtues we live by,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said.

The fifth and sixth OFWs previously sent home were aliases “Angelou” and “Gracia.” Both of them worked as domestic helpers in Singapore.

Based on the medical findings, “Angelou”, aged 45, was diagnosed with a right-sided stroke. She underwent a clot removal procedure last March 8.

Forty-nine-year-old “Gracia”, on the other hand, was diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm. She was hospitalized at the National University Hospital Neurosurgery from August 7 to 26.

The SRC staff and medical team accompanied the patients from Changi Airport back to the Philippines. Meanwhile, the PRC provided wheelchairs and ambulance services for both patients and assisted them to their respective provinces of Tuguegarao and General Santos. Aside from this, the PRC also stated that it will continue to monitor the health conditions of the patients and possibly provide livelihood programs for their welfare and recovery.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang thanked PRC’s partners who contributed to the success of the repatriation efforts, saying, “On behalf of the Philippine Red Cross, I would like to echo our profound gratitude to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Tourism (DOT), and to our local chapters in Cagayan and General Santos. Everything is indeed attainable if we work together.”

For questions and inquiries on the Last Mile Initiative program, contact the PRC Welfare Services at 09175974702 or visit its Facebook page.

Red Cross breaks ground for Cavite’s primary blood center in Imus

Written on August 2, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

IMUS, CAVITE — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has finally broken ground on the soon-to-rise Cavite Chapter headquarters office and the province’s first and primary blood center in Vermosa, Imus, Cavite on Aug. 2.

The three-storey office will house the Blood Center that has the capacity to host large blood drives, and conduct testing and processing of blood that will ensure steady supply of blood for Cavite’s hospitals and patients.

Since Imus is one of Cavite’s major cities, the local chapter aims to bring PRC’s blood services closer to the general public in the province, making it more accessible and responsive to the needs of communities. Specifically, the Chapter office will serve residents in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th Districts.

The Imus branch will also be the new main hub for the PRC Cavite Chapter’s operations, and will house a modern disaster communication center and storage for disaster response equipment; multipurpose facilities for trainings and workshops; and meeting spaces for support groups and community gatherings.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon led the groundbreaking ceremony alongside Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, and PRC Cavite Chapter Chairman Dir. Gilbert C. Remulla. They were joined by Ayala Land Inc. Senior Vice President and Head of Estates Group Mr. Chris Maglanoc; Ayala Land Vice President and Senior Project Development Head of Ayala Land Estates Ms. Mayi Platero- Rodriguez, Okada Foundation Inc. President Mr. James Lorenzana; First Orient International Ventures Corp. Manager Mr. Ron Andre Lim; other officials from Ayala Land Inc., and Okada Foundation, as well as mayors and representatives of Cavite’s municipalities and cities.

“This is another step forward for the Red Cross as we extend our blood, health, and welfare services to more people in Cavite, and build a stronger Red Cross network in the country. This brings hope and confidence in the whole province of Cavite. Providing greater access to blood for Filipinos from all walks of life is one of our lifelong missions, and we will make sure that no request for blood is turned away, and all blood needs are met,” said Chairman Gordon.

“Having a central blood facility in Imus makes the Red Cross well-positioned to provide the blood needs of people in the province, and welcome blood donors from the region. This will also Improve the Red Cross’ capacity to deliver services to the people of Cavite and other nearby regions. Together, we are building a future where support and aid is readily available to people,” said Dr. Pang.

Early July this year, the PRC received a P60 million donation from the Okada Foundation to construct a Blood Center in Cavite. It will be built on an 859 sqm-property donated by Ayala Land Inc., located at the Vermosa complex in Imus.

Construction of the building and blood center will start in September this year, and are expected to be completed in September 2025.

“Ayala Land’s donation is a testament to our belief in the Philippine Red Cross mission to provide safe blood supply to the public, ensuring access to lifesaving blood transfusion, and other health services, as well as train 12,000 volunteers in the province,” said Ayala Land Senior Vice President Maglanoc.

Okada Foundation President Lorenzana added: “This is an opportunity for the Okada Foundation to give back to our people. Our foundation’s main goal is to make and implement projects for health and education. We believe in public and private partnerships to address the needs of our country.”

As of July this year, the Cavite Chapter has collected 8,609 and dispensed 6,728 blood units, serving 1,369 patients in the province.

Vermosa is a burgeoning mixed use Ayala Land Estate in Cavite, that is home to residential and commercial developments in the province. The complex offerings, which include retail establishments, residential dwellings, schools, sports facilities and open spaces make it an ideal place for the new Chapter headquarters, catering to locals and visitors alike.

New Red Cross Silang, Cavite branch

Aside from the groundbreaking ceremony, the PRC also inaugurated the Cavite Chapter’s new Silang branch that features its own blood collecting unit and blood station.

Gordon and Pang were joined by Cavite Chapter Chairman Remulla, Cavite 5th District Rep. Roy Loyola; and Municipality of Silang Mayor Edward Carranza in the inauguration; all of whom were guided on a tour of the facilities.

The new branch was funded and provided by the municipal government of Silang, while the renovations and fit-out construction of the office and facilities were supported by the PRC’s BloomberryProject. The project cost was around P1.8 million, funded partially by the Bloomberry Fund, and the PRC General Fund.

The Silang branch will occupy the left wing of the two-storeybuilding, while the right wing will be the location of the municipal government’s municipal dialysis center. Renovations began on Oct. 3, 2023, ending in June 30, 2024.

The areas covered by Silang Branch are the 5th District of Cavite (Carmona, GMA and Silang or CARSIGMA), including Tagaytay City.

Since the Silang Branch chapter began collecting blood on July 11, 2024, it has so far collected 160 blood units, dispensed 85, serving 33 patients.

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Ayala’s cancer hospital taps Red Cross as partner blood supplier

Written on July 26, 2024. Posted in News and Events.

TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Ayala Corp.’s Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH) on July 25 signed a memorandum of agreement to make blood supply affordable and accessible to cancer patients.

Under the agreement, PRC will deliver blood to HCCH weekly or as necessary during emergencies. Moreover, the hospital will support PRC in blood donation activities.

Signing the agreement were PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, AC Health Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and AC Health Vice Chairman Cezar Consing.

“We’re still responding to those affected by the typhoon (Carina), but I came here because this partnership is very special to me. Ayala has been our partner for many years, especially during our fight against the pandemic. PRC and Healthway Cancer Care Hospital share the same mission and that is to alleviate the suffering of people,” said Gordon.

Pang added, “With PRC’s 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers, the partnership will be well supported. This is a crucial step in our fight against cancer. I’m confident that this partnership will have a positive impact on cancer care and I hope this will inspire more collaborations and partnerships for better health care for Filipinos.”

Consing said, “When they mentioned this partnership to me, I remember when two people close to me were in dire need of blood during COVID. In desperation, I called Chairman Gordon and told him our blood needs. Within two hours, blood was delivered. Hence, I think of no better partner than the PRC.”

De Ayala pointed out that “Ayala Corporation has always believed in the power of collaboration to drive positive change. PRC’s collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in our journey as the first comprehensive cancer care hospital in the Philippines.”

As one of the country’s major blood suppliers, PRC collected a total of 538,666 units of blood in 2023. This year, PRC’s target is to supply 70 percent of the country’s demand for blood.

Since April, PRC has been partnering with various hospitals, starting with Cardinal Santos and St. Luke’s, to ensure adequate blood supply for vulnerable patients.

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PRC, Barilla, Marriott feed children on World Pasta Day

Written on November 22, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA – Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon expressed gratitude to Italian food company Barilla and Marriott Hotel Manila for celebrating the World Pasta Day by donating 500 bowls of nutritious pasta and 500 banana loaves to students, some of whom are Red Cross Youth, at Villamor Air Base Elementary School last October 25, 2023.

“We’ve partnered with hotels, restaurants, bakeries, and food storage facilities to provide food for the most vulnerable, whether during times of disaster or in non-disaster situations. I am grateful to all our partners for helping PRC support our most vulnerable communities,” Gordon said.

Executive Chef Meik Brammer of Marriott said that donating food to the underprivileged through the PRC is among the hotel giant’s means of addressing food wastage. Marriott Hotel is a food donor of the PRC for over 12 years, serving freshly-cooked food to over 20,000 beneficiaries.

Food donations significantly contributed to addressing two of PRC’s key advocacies: food insecurity and child malnutrition, which Gordon reiterated during his discussion at the International Society for Southeast Asian Agricultural Sciences (ISSAAS) conference on November 8 in Manila.

Gordon, during his first term as a senator in 2009, authored the Republic Act No. 9803 (RA9803) or the Food Donation Act of 2009, which aims to address the country’s growing hunger problem and bring dignity back to the most vulnerable simultaneously. Under this law, donors are encouraged to donate food for charitable purposes and to reduce food wastage. Chairman Gordon explained that the donors give untouched food from buffet tables, not leftover food.

PRC’s food coordinator, Ms. Micot Juico, and PRC-Pasay City Chapter staff, Ms. Shara Mae Arceo, facilitated the food donation activity.

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