Philippine Red Cross

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS ASSISTS OVER 9,700 INDIVIDUALS FOR UNDAS 2025

Written on November 4, 2025. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

Mandaluyong, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided humanitarian assistance to 9,711 people across the country during this year’s Undas observance as thousands of Filipinos return to their provinces and visit cemeteries to remember their loved ones.

From the PRC Safety Services 2025 Undas Operation Report, PRC staff and volunteers operated 392 first aid stations and 213 welfare desks nationwide, offering medical care, psychological first aid, and welfare support to those in need.

Between October 28 and November 3, PRC teams catered to 9,711 individuals, most of whom sought vital signs monitoring and first aid. Among the cases handled were 9,280 vital signs monitoring, 387 minor injuries, 18 major emergencies, and 26 patients that needed to be transported to hospitals for further treatment.

A total of 133 individuals were also given welfare assistance. This figure included psychological first aid provided to 89 people, referrals for medical and protection needs, tracing of missing individuals, and the distribution of hot meals and food packs to affected families.

The operation was supported by 2,454 staff and volunteers, 73 ambulances, and 68 foot patrol units, ensuring that help was within reach for anyone in distress.

“Undas is a time of remembrance and family, and the PRC makes sure it is also a time of safety and care. Each person assisted reflects the compassion and readiness that define the Philippine Red Cross.” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you, our PRC staff and volunteers, for your tireless efforts these past few days. I have seen how all of you worked as a team and how all of you acted with compassion. Because of you, people are safe while they remember their dearly departed,” said PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang after the operation.

Through its extensive volunteer network and coordinated response systems, the PRC remains Always First, Always Ready, Always There to serve communities in moments of need.

For any emergencies, call the PRC hotline #143.

PHILIPPINE RED CROSS REACHES COMMUNITIES HIT BY TYPHOON TINO WITH LIFE-SAVING ASSISTANCE

Written on November 4, 2025. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

MANDALUYONG, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to deliver vital humanitarian assistance to families and communities affected by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), reaching thousands of people across the country as of November 4, 2025.

From PRC’s latest operations report, Red Cross volunteers and staff have been providing a wide range of services ranging from first aid and health support to welfare assistance and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities in areas hit hardest by the typhoon.

As of November 4, 12PM, PRC’s Emergency Response Units (ERU) have assisted a total of 179 individuals, mostly in Southern Leyte, Gingoog City, and Cebu.

Through its Safety Services, PRC operated four first aid stations across Masbate, Siargao Islands, and Gingoog City, where 95 people availed of vital signs monitoring. Furthermore, during the typhoon’s onslaught, an emergency childbirth case was safely transported in Cebu thanks to PRC teams within the area.

Through PRC’s Health Services, 310 people in Capiz attended disease prevention sessions, while 15 individuals in Southern Leyte received doxycycline as part of the organization’s ongoing disease prevention efforts. Volunteers also distributed face masks and bottled water to families in Negros Occidental.

Meanwhile, in welfare support, PRC established six welfare desks and provided 36 individuals with comfort and support services in Boracay-Malay. In addition, Psychological First Aid (PFA) was extended to 34 individuals, while a total of 1642 hot meals were distributed to affected families in hard-hit areas.

Hygiene promotion sessions were also conducted for 310 people in Capiz to prevent waterborne diseases in evacuation areas.

“Every person reached by our staff and volunteers is someone who is given hope and care in the midst of disaster. The Philippine Red Cross remains committed to responding swiftly wherever there is a call for help.” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

As Typhoon Tino’s impact continues to unfold, the PRC stands ready to scale up its relief operations to ensure that no community is left behind.

Through the dedication of its volunteers and partners, the Philippine Red Cross remains Always First, Always Ready, Always There to serve those in need.

For any emergencies, call the PRC hotline #143.

PH RED CROSS HEALTH CARAVAN MAKES A STOP AT BJMP MARIKINA CITY JAIL MALE DORMITORY

Written on November 3, 2025. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

MARIKINA CITY — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Health Services and PRC Marikina City Chapter reached out to persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), the elderly, and jail officers at the BJMP Marikina City Jail Male Dormitory with a health caravan on 30 October 2025.

A total of 175 people received free medical consultations, medicines, and health lectures under PRC’s Oplan Kalusugan and Paalalang Pangkalusugan programs. The activity aimed to make health care more accessible to those who rarely get the chance to visit a doctor and to raise awareness about preventive health practices inside the facility.

The health caravan was made possible in partnership with SogoCares and through the efforts of Red Cross volunteers, including Dr. Allan Tamayo, Dr. Reginald Lee, and student nurse Earl John Guanzon, who spent the day providing checkups, dispensing medicines, and sharing information on how to stay healthy in confined spaces.

“Health care should not stop at the walls of a facility. The PRC believes that everyone, no matter who or where they are, deserves access to medical care and compassion,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon.

The Philippine Red Cross continues to work hand in hand with local chapters, volunteers, and partners to reach people in need and promote the health and dignity of all communities. For any emergencies, contact the PRC hotline #143.

The Philippine Red Cross remains Always First, Always Ready, Always There.

COMELEC COMMENDS PH RED CROSS FOR 2025 ELECTION EFFORTS

Written on June 10, 2025. Posted in News and Events.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed appreciation to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for its contribution to the success of the recently concluded 2025 National and Local Elections.

In a commendation letter addressed to PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon on May 30, COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia thanked the humanitarian organization for its invaluable support and steadfast commitment to ensuring safe, orderly, and peaceful elections.

“The efforts of the Philippine Red Cross stand as a powerful testament to your dedication to transparency, partnership, and excellence in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic processes. The professionalism, diligence, and sense of duty displayed by your team throughout this pivotal period reflect the highest standards of public service and have not gone unnoticed,” penned Chairman Garcia.

“As we move forward and prepare for the upcoming elections, we look forward to sustaining this strong and principled partnership. With your continued support, we are confident in our collective ability to uphold the sanctity of the ballot and ensure that every Filipino vote is protected and respected,” he added.

Meanwhile, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon attributed the success of the operation to the exemplary commitment of PRC staff and volunteers, who are always ready to answer the call of duty.

“Our volunteers have been deployed to their respective assigned areas since May 9. On the election day, they were at the voting precincts at 4 a.m. until the very end. Our volunteers are not paid to do that; they even have the option to stay at home due to extreme heat, but they choose to go out and serve the people. Like I always say, nobody can beat the heart of a Red Cross volunteer. I am very proud of them,” Chairman Gordon said.

PRC is an independent, autonomous, and non-governmental organization that serves as an auxiliary to the government in the humanitarian field. It does not get its funds from the government but it assists the Philippine government in providing relief, health, and welfare services to the most vulnerable, particularly during disasters and emergencies.

According to the final ground report released by the PRC for its 2025 election operations, it assisted 11,745 patients. It deployed 2,881 staff and volunteers, 67 ambulances, 31 mobile units, 31 foot patrol units, and 21 emergency vehicles.

Additionally, it set up 413 first aid stations, a mobile clinic, and 182 welfare desks where 580 individuals were assisted.

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 | Humanitarian Organization in the Philippines

disaster management services philippines

social welfare services philippines

blood donation philippines

volunteer services philippines

health and services philippines

red cross philippines

Tag: Red Cross