Philippine Red Cross

PH Red Cross reaches out to children in Santa town, Ilocos Sur with Child-Friendly Space, other services

Written on August 3, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

Five days after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit North Luzon, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) immediately provided a Child-Friendly Space, where over 90 children participated in different activities designed as psychological first aid (PFA), such as a clowns’ and magicians’ show, in the municipality of Santa, Ilocos Sur, August 1. Overall, 323 children received PFA in Ilocos Sur.

“Bukod sa mga nasirang kabahayan at kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan, naapektuhan din ang ating mga kabataan dahil nanatili sa kanila ang takot dulot ng malakas na lindol. Laging handa ang trained volunteers and staff ng Red Cross upang tulungan ang ating mga kabataan sa aspetong ito ng kanilang kalusugan,” Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon said.

Aside from the Child-Friendly Space, the PRC distributed hygiene kits and 10,000 liters of water to 103 families or 317 individuals in Santa, served hot meals to 350 persons, and provided health services to 67. To protect the community against COVID-19, the PRC also distributed 800 face masks and 50 pieces of COVID-19 leaflets.

Present during the distribution of services in Santa were Mayor Jesus Bueno Jr., Barangay Tabucolan Captain Armando Baguyo, and personnel from the Social Welfare and Development Office, Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection.

The PRC continues to provide other much-needed aid to people affected by the earthquake in Abra and Ilocos Sur, the hardest hit provinces. As of August 1, it has distributed 148,649 liters of water through its water tankers, 6,155 hot meals, 2,341 face masks, 1,250 COVID-19 leaflets, 868 hygiene kits, 662 packs of bread, 264 sleeping kits, and 33 tents, among other humanitarian aid.

“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ating pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan sa Abra at Ilocos Sur, na syang lubos na naapektuhan ng lindol at aftershocks nito. Laging maaasahan ang Red Cross sa ganitong uri ng sakuna,” Chairman Gordon assured.

PH Red Cross provides psychological first aid to more than 700 following North Luzon earthquake

Written on August 1, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

Four days after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Northern Luzon, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided psychological first aid (PFA) to more than 700 persons in Abra and Ilocos Sur, 216 of them children. PFA is given by trained individuals to people who have just experienced a serious crisis event. The World Health Organization says it “involves humane, supportive and practical assistance for people who are distressed, in ways that respect their dignity, culture, and abilities.”

Trained PRC facilitators give PFA to children through activities that are appropriate to their age, such as games. PRC’s Welfare Services Team set up Child-Friendly Spaces (CFSs) in areas affected by hazard events as a standard component of PRC’s disaster responses. “Tinutugunan ng Red Cross hindi lang ang pisikal na pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayang naapektuhan ng malakas na lindol sa Northern Luzon kundi pati na rin ang kanilang mental health needs.”

The PRC continues to provide other much-needed aid to people affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Northern Luzon mid-morning of July 27. As of July 31, it has distributed around 16,000 liters of water through its water tankers, 3,180 hot meals, 1,200 bottles of water, 970 face masks, 762 hygiene kits, and 262 sleeping kits, among other forms of humanitarian aid.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that the 7.0 magnitude quake affected more than 1.7 million people in Abra, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Benguet, Baguio, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan-Dagupan, Aurora, Cagayan, and Nueva Ecija. More than 600 families, or around 3,000 persons, are still in evacuation centers. More than 4,500 houses were damaged.

Gordon sends Humanitarian Caravan to earthquake-hit Northwestern Luzon

Written on July 30, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), under the leadership of its Chairman and CEO, Richard J. Gordon, organized a humanitarian caravan to provide assistance to persons affected by the 7.0 Magnitude earthquake in Northwest Luzon last July 27, 2022. The caravan is composed of a 12,000-liter water tanker with a water tap stand set and 5,000-liter water bladders and a wing van transporting sleeping kits, jerry can water containers, tents, generators, rice, and masks. The rolling assets were expected to reach Abra by 2:00 am on 29 July.

Chairman Gordon is continuously monitoring the situation from the PRC National Headquarters and receiving regular reports from the PRC’s state-of-the-art Operations Center. “The Red Cross is always ready with pre-positioned supplies, assets, and life-saving equipment, because we know the value of being prepared. Thousands of volunteers are well-trained, highly dedicated, and committed to alleviating the suffering of the vulnerable, especially in the aftermath of disasters. You can always count on us,” declared Chairman Gordon.

The NDRRMC / OCD reported that there have been 887 aftershocks recorded in the past 36 hours, with more than 210 plotted and 24 actually felt. In Tayum, Abra, the highest magnitude of aftershock reached 5.0, which damaged 868 houses (857 partially and 11 totally). One hundred thirteen persons in CAR and 18 in the Ilocos region were injured; 1,222 families, or 5,799 individuals, are in 12 evacuation centers.

PRC volunteers on the ground at the Bangued, Abra Town Plaza assisted 47 persons with blood pressure monitoring, 27 for psychological first aid, and 2 for wounds cleaning and transporte

Philippine Red Cross Lauded by the Leader of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Written on July 29, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The leader of 14 million volunteers and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) President Francesco Rocca, acclaimed the role of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for its immediate response to the destruction wrought by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked Northern Luzon on July 27, 2022.

Mr. Rocca praised PRC’s First Aid and Emergency Teams for being at the forefront of every emergency in the country. He also conveyed the unity of the IFRC team spirit and expressed solidarity to the people affected by the major quake. Mr. Rocca was very proud that PRC has been doing its utmost to serve all its local communities.

The Chairman and CEO of PRC, Richard J. Gordon thanked him and said, “PRC lives up to its mantra of ‘Volunteers + Logistics + Information Technology = A Red Cross that is Always First, Always Ready, and Always There.’ This guides us to maintain our fidelity to serve humanity. We have always championed community-level action and we shall continue our efforts in localizing humanitarian responses for all. The 102 Chapters of PRC are always prepared and ready to take necessary actions whenever disaster threatens. Rapid response is crucial when disaster strikes because every minute counts. All our volunteers are aware of this and do their best to perform to the utmost of their abilities.”

Mr. Rocca lauded the role of the Philippine Red Cross in its many endeavors to localize humanitarian response and the continuous efforts of its Chairman Richard J. Gordon to take positive action in response to crises. Under Gordon’s leadership, PRC continually shows what can be done when humanity and dignity come first, solidified by the will to assist and protect people.

PH Red Cross intensifies response operations after magnitude 7.0 earthquake hits Northwestern Luzon

Written on July 29, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, intensified its response operations to aid affected individuals, as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported a major Magnitude (Mw) 7.0 earthquake that hit the provinces in northwestern Luzon and adjacent areas, including Metro Manila, July 27.

The earthquake damaged 868 houses (857 partially and 11 totally) and affected 1,748,258 individuals in Abra, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Benguet, and La Union. 1,222 families and 5,799 individuals have sought shelter in 12 evacuation centers.

In response, PRC immediately dispatched 7 ambulance units in Abra (1), Ilocos Sur (2) and mobilized units coming from Baguio (1), Quezon City (2), and Rizal and Makati (1). 3 Welfare Desks were set up in Abra (2) and Ilocos Sur (1). 27 individuals in Abra and Ilocos Sur received Psychosocial First Aid.

The PRC also distributed 1,200 pieces of bottled water, 46 sleeping kits, 176 food items (standard), 666 hygiene kits, and 720 face masks in Abra and Ilocos Sur.

“Simula noong Miyerkules, mabilis ang naging aksyon ng Red Cross para tulungan ang ating mga kababayan. Patuloy tayong maghahatid ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan na naapektuhan ng nagdaang lindol. Hindi natin sila iiwan hanggang matiyak natin na sila’y ligtas,” Chairman Gordon said.

“Bilang pangunahing humanitarian organization sa bansa, ang Red Cross ay umaapela sa mga mamamayan na mag-donate upang mas marami pa tayong maitulong sa ating mga kababayang naapektuhan,” Chairman Gordon added.

For monetary and in-kind donations, email Shervi Mae Corpuz, Events & Emergency Giving Officer at [email protected] or call (02) 87902413 (direct line)/09178348378.

Staff and volunteers of the Philippine Red Cross across Luzon quickly respond as a magnitude 7 earthquake hits

Written on July 27, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

⚠️ EARTHQUAKE UPDATE ⚠️

Several houses and infrastructures in different locations are severely damaged after a 7.0 magnitude (downgraded from 7.3 magnitude by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology [PHIVOLCS-DOST]) earthquake shook Luzon this morning.

PRC Chairman Dick Gordon directed all Chapters to be on stand-by and perform assessment within their areas of responsibility following the big earthquake.

Chairman Gordon also urges all affected LGUs and the DPWH to assess damages and the safety of buildings and structures to ensure the safety of all.

PH Red Cross intensifies vaccination efforts, opens 27th Bakuna Center

Written on July 22, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

In support of the government’s efforts to encourage the public to get vaccinated and avail of booster shots against COVID-19, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) opened its 1st Bakuna Center in Malabon City, July 20.

The PRC Bakuna Center, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), Local Government Unit of Malabon, and the Rotary Club of Malabon, vaccinated 66 individuals, including senior citizens, immunocompromised patients, and qualified adolescents 12-17 years old on its opening day. The new Bakuna Center in Malabon is one of the many COVID-19 programs that the PRC continues to provide amid the increasing cases in the country.

Since February 2022, the PRC Malabon Chapter has administered 4,116 doses, which is added to the PRC’s total of 1,211,810 doses with 375,094 fully vaccinated individuals.

“Patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng Red Cross sa local government units at pribadong ahensiya para tugunan ang panawagan na mahikayat ang ating mga kababayan na magpabakuna. Ang Bakuna Center sa Malabon ay naglalayong mailapit ang ating mga bakuna sa mga komunidad na nangangailangan,” Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

Present during the opening were Hon. Jeannie Sandoval, Mayor of Malabon City and Chairperson of PRC Malabon City Chapter, officials from DOH and Malabon City Health Office, and volunteers and staff of the PRC.

Philippine Red Cross mobile Bakuna facilities continue vaccination drive in Lanao del Sur

Written on July 21, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has administered 14,501 doses of Covid-19 vaccines in Lanao del Sur province, through the PRC Bakuna Bus, resulting in over 7,000 people fully inoculated and/or boosted. Lanao del Sur is part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where PRC has an active vaccination campaign.

Lanao del Sur is currently under Covid-19 alert level 1. Other places where PRC conducts vaccinations in Mindanao are Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City-Maguindanao, Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro, Davao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, and Zamboanga City.

The vaccinations are part of the PRC’s Covid-19 response across the country. As of July 20, 2022, PRC has administered 1,211,091 doses of Covid-19 vaccines, including boosters, in the whole country, fully vaccinating 375,059 persons.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon constantly encourages Filipinos to get vaccinated or boosted. “Ang aming chapters sa Red Cross ay patuloy na nagbabakuna laban sa Covid-19 upang maging ligtas ang lahat sa banta nito. Mayroon tayong Bakuna Teams, Bakuna Buses, at Bakuna Centers,” Chairman Gordon said.

Philippine Red Cross rushes to assist affected individuals as heavy rains cause floods in Metro Manila

Written on July 18, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) quickly responded to assist affected individuals as heavy rains caused floods in Quezon City and other areas over the weekend.

Flooded areas included Barangay Tatalon (chest-deep), Maria Clara Araneta, Barangay Santo Domingo (waist to chest-deep), and Barangay Damayang Lagi (chest-deep).

The PRC, in coordination with Quezon City and Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), deployed its Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) team with 6 personnel to Maria Clara Araneta, Santo Domingo and its Quezon City Emergency Medical Services for roving in their area of responsibility.

Heavy to torrential rains were also experienced in Makati City, Mandaluyong City, Caloocan City, Marikina City, and Rizal Province.

“Laging handa ang Red Cross sa pagsaklolo sa ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng tag-ulan. Nakahanda ang ating kagamitan, gayundin, ang ating volunteers at staff,” Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.

The PRC also reminds the public to follow safety measures as this season is considered a high-risk period for infectious diseases. It intensifies its information dissemination concerning health problems to protect the public against common diseases this rainy season: influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue.

For any emergency assistance, please call the PRC’s Operations Center at 143 or 790-23-00.

PH Red Cross steps up its assistance as fire rages in Valenzuela City

Written on July 18, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) quickly responded to aid the affected individuals in a fire that raged in a residential area in Brgy. Marulas, Valenzuela City last Friday, July 15.

At 3:10 pm, the blaze was raised to the fourth alarm; 72 families, with 246 individuals, were affected and an estimated 50 houses were damaged.

The PRC Valenzuela City Chapter, in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Valenzuela City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (VCDRRMO), and City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), dispatched its fire truck and ambulance unit. It served hot meals and distributed drinking water to 150 individuals and gave face masks to 50 persons.

Affected residents have sought shelter in Valenzuela National High School as the designated evacuation center. The blaze was declared under control at 5:00 pm.

“Ang Red Cross ay laging handa sa ganitong insidente. Agad tayong umaksyon upang magbigay ng tulong sa ating mga kababayang naapektuhan ng sunog sa Valenzuela City. Hindi natin sila iiwan hanggang maibigay natin ang kanilang pangangailangan at matiyak natin ang kanilang kaligtasan,” Chairman Gordon said.

Last Saturday, July 16, the PRC intensified its assistance in the community by conducting Health and Hygiene Dissemination and other services until the community reaches its recovery.

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: Richard Gordon