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Chairman Gordon initiates the first resort-based PRC chapter in Boracay With Boracay Island as the premier beach spot in the country, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard J. Gordon initiated the first resort-based PRC chapter in the said locality—the PRC Boracay-Malay Chapter. Following Chairman Gordon's strict orders, PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang and Governor Ramon Locsin closely supervised the establishment of an independent Red Cross chapter in Boracay, which was officially opened last 13 March. PRC Boracay-Malay Chapter is located along Main Road Sitio Ambulong, Brgy. Manoc Manoc, Central Boracay. As its initial objective, this chapter's focus will be on the conduct of first aid, basic life support – cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BLS-CPR) and life guarding trainings to ensure the safety of the locals and the tourists in the island. "The law clearly states that all resorts in the country need life guards to look after the safety of the public. And since Boracay happens to be one of the most visited beach destinations in the Philippines, it is the perfect place to launch this initiative," Chairman Gordon explained in line with this endeavor. To ensure that the objectives of this new strategically positioned office will be met, he even encouraged all resort owners in the area to take part in this goal. Chairman Gordon said, "Our doors are always open for resort owners who wish to seek for our training services. We have professional instructors for the job; and to fully maximize their potential, I even provided them with a state of the art 4x4 Ford Ranger Ambulance through my Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)." Apart from this, Chairman Gordon reiterated that he is willing to augment this starting chapter's capacity by initially providing vital rescue equipment, such as rubber boats and first aid kits. "We can also have PRC Aklan Chapter help us [the National Headquarters] look after this newly-established office up until it learns to stand on its own," he added. In the long run, Chairman Gordon expects the said chapter to be truly independent by instigating their own programs that would help them raise their own funds. "We are taking everything one step at a time," Chairman Gordon confidently stated. He added with great optimism, "For now, let them [PRC Boracay-Malay Chapter] have their small office by the beach to do what they are trained to do best. Then eventually, I will encourage them to set up their own clinic, or even their own blood bank, to aptly meet the needs of the people in the island." |