Philippine Red Cross

PRC Chairman Gordon sees Subic as Asia’s cargo or humanitarian hub

Written on September 29, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon proposed to the aviation industry to create a humanitarian air system, as he pushed for Subic to be considered as a cargo or humanitarian hub in Asia.

Sharing his insights on strengthening the role of the aviation industry in humanitarian assistance at the 2023 Aviation Summit, Gordon said: “Speed is the name of the game. When people are suffering, needing all kinds of support, time is of the essence.”

Gordon elaborated that the Philippines can be the cargo or humanitarian hub for Asia to meet the logistical needs of a disaster response, including transporting aid workers. He recommended that Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) be used as a cargo and humanitarian hub not just for the Philippines but for other Asian countries. He believes that SBIA would be an ideal place to preposition goods and facilitate rapid deployment.

Gordon welcomed the aviation industry’s interest in learning how it can have a stronger role in humanitarian response as he shared that at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the PRC had to use chartered planes to have the Covid-19 testing equipment and reagents shipped to the Philippines from China. He added that the PRC had a hard time finding planes that would deliver generators, tents, and other equipment and supplies donated for the earthquake survivors in Türkiye and Syria through the PRC.

He said that SBIA is not operational at the moment, but it would be a wise decision to reuse it and recoup the country’s investment in building it.

The two-day inaugural summit was co-organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA), and the Department of Transportation (DoTR).

Philippine Red Cross leaders attend Southeast Asia RCRC meeting, forum in Cambodia

Written on September 27, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang, and three (3) Red Cross Youth leaders represented the PRC at the 20th South-East Asia RCRC Leaders Meeting on September 21 and 22 and 2nd Southeast Asia RCRC Youth Forum on September 17 to 20 at Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The South-East Asia RCRC Leaders Meeting allowed the leaders in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement to discuss and decide on issues of interest to the Movement in the region.

Dr. Pang discussed the PRC’s climate action interventions, as well as its challenges in reducing the vulnerability of communities in the Philippines to disasters. Her discussions include Early Warning System and Early Action Protocols, Anticipatory Actions, Nature-based Solutions, Climate Change Education, Food Security, and Waste Management and Circular Economy.

Meanwhile, RCY Lenice Joy Orocio from PRC Capiz Chapter and Camille Baring from PRC Rizal Chapter, with the assistance of PRC Governor Jay-ar Gallos, presented their solutions and prototypes to their identified challenges (i.e., different thematic issues: disaster resilience; climate change; youth engagement; Protection, Gender, and Inclusion; and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) within the Movement during the leaders’ meeting.

Along with other RCRC youth leaders from Southeast Asia, they formulated these solutions and prototypes during the Southeast Asia RCRC Youth Forum on the preceding days.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon has long recognized the vital role of youth in the decision-making process at all levels of management, governance, and service delivery. Hence, the PRC has numerous programs to strengthen youth participation within the organization.

“We provide a seat for the youth at our table. Youth involvement, be it at the global or community level, allows our Movement to create a forward-thinking culture. We have to capacitate them, hear their voices, and include them in every step,” said Chairman Gordon.

PH Red Cross, partners organize Health Caravan in Angono, Rizal

Written on September 18, 2023. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Health Caravan continues to reach people with primary health care services through its Health Caravan. On 09 September 2023, the PRC Health Caravan drove to Angono, Rizal. The outreach program, held at Angono Municipal Gym, provided health consultations to 209 people through eight volunteer medical doctors and two volunteer nurses.

“The Health Caravan is our way of reaching people who, otherwise, find it challenging to access primary health care services because of logistical concerns, such as the distance of their homes to the health facility,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon.

During the outreach program, 40 persons with mobility impairment and senior citizens were also given wheelchairs, while 120 persons received eyeglasses. Hot meals were served to those who participated in the event. Fourteen volunteers from RC143, the PRC’s barangay-based volunteer network, assisted in organizing the event.

“Marami sa ating mga kababayan ang pumupunta sa aming mga health caravan para makakuha ng medical services at iba pang serbisyo, kagaya ng first aid education, Covid vaccination, pati na rin mga libreng gamit, kagaya ng eyeglasses,” explained PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang.

Present in the event were Angono Mayor Jeri Mae E. Calderon and Angono Municipal Councilors Dokdok Villanueva and Elena Ibañez. The initiative was in partnership with the Rotary International, Church of Latter-Day Saints, and Local Government of Angono, Rizal.

A brainchild of Chairman Gordon, the PRC Health Service has reached thousands of persons across the country with medical consultations and other health services.

Philippine Red Cross views SDGs as ‘obligations, not just aspirations’

Written on September 18, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) during her speech at the grand launching of the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corporation’s (PAEC) SDG museum, called “Change Maker 2040,” on 16 September.

“We firmly believe that achieving the SDGs extends beyond just aspirations; they are our obligations. Obligations of all. The commitment of the PRC to the SDGs encompasses humanitarian action, health and well-being, inclusivity, education and empowerment, and partnership,” Dr. Pang said.

She further explained that PRC’s mission aligns with the values and objectives of “Change Maker 2040,” where they both envision a sustainable Earth for future generations. She added: “This [Change Maker 2040] is one way to take action, eradicate poverty, inequality, and injustices, and get something done.”

“Change Maker 2040” is a museum that features the SDGs through dioramas and sustainable presentation of Science and Technology. It aims to support the government’s campaigns aligned with the 17 SDGs.

Dr. Pang described the museum as a proof of the power of innovation and collective commitment in addressing global challenges.

Meanwhile, PAEC President and CEO Lawrence Li Tan expressed gratitude to PRC and other partner agencies for their support.

SDGs were adopted by the UN as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

Philippine Red Cross, Bahrain Royal Charity Organization eye future collaborations

Written on September 18, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Kingdom of Bahrain’s Royal Charity Organization (RCO) Secretary-General Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed visited Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon yesterday to explore more opportunities for collaboration.

RCO is known globally for its development and humanitarian assistance not only to the people of Bahrain but also to communities in developing countries. In 2014, RCO funded the construction of two PRC vocational training centers – one in Leyte and one in Subic – to help the Filipinos strengthen their economic capability and resilience against hazards.

“Bahrain is our friend and an active ally. As you know, together with the Royal Charity Organization, we constructed two training centers in Subic and Tacloban. This is the commitment of Bahrain to help the Filipinos, especially the Typhoon Yolanda survivors. We are truly grateful for the support and the friendship we built. I’m excited to work with RCO again after our collaboration for recovery and resilience,” said Chairman Gordon.

Dr. Al-Sayed also invited Chairman Gordon to visit Bahrain to evaluate opportunities for collaboration.

The PRC Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang, said the training centers were instrumental to the recovery of typhoon-affected Filipinos. “We were able to provide various programs and courses that enhanced their knowledge and skills needed to land a job or start a livelihood. We are not only fighting poverty here, but also promoting literacy,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added.

The PRC Vocational Training Centers in Subic and Tacloban were constructed to alleviate poverty and lower unemployment by providing accessible, high-quality vocational training and job-creation projects for unemployed and underprivileged Filipinos, especially those from historically disadvantaged communities. These infrastructures, which cost USD400,000 in 2014, were donated by the people of Bahrain, through the Royal Charity Organization of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Gordon, PH Red Cross continue inspiring path set by Amelia Gordon

Written on September 6, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events.

September 4th marks the birth anniversary of a remarkable figure in Philippine history, the incomparable Mrs. Amelia J. Gordon. Revered as Olongapo’s pioneering female mayor, Amelia’s enduring legacy shines as brightly as her lifelong commitment to children, adoption, and humanitarian causes, which earned her the prestigious Pearl S. Buck International Woman of the Year Award, a distinction shared by only two other Filipino women.

A beacon of compassion, Mrs. Gordon profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals, adopting more than 50 children and establishing the Boys Town and Girls Home in Olongapo City. These sanctuaries provided shelter and hope to orphaned Filipino children of American descent, etching Amelia’s name in the annals of philanthropy.

Beyond her maternal endeavors, Amelia J. Gordon played a pivotal role in her son Dick Gordon’s journey, who would later become a prominent figure as the Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO. Her devotion to humanitarian causes was exemplified by her role as the founder of the Olongapo Chapter of the Philippine National Red Cross.

Amelia’s legacy was not confined to her philanthropic endeavors. She valiantly championed Olongapo’s quest for independence from American rule and played an instrumental role in the city’s elevation to cityhood in 1966. Following the assassination of her husband, James Gordon Sr., in 1969, Amelia became the city mayor, displaying her indomitable spirit and compassionate heart.

During her tenure as mayor, Amelia competently managed Olongapo City during the tumultuous period of the Vietnam War when it served as a recreational refuge for American soldiers. Her strong leadership ensured peace and security for the city’s inhabitants.

Driven by her humanitarian principles, she launched one of the city’s most significant housing development programs, affirming the human dignity of Olongapo’s burgeoning population. Her political acumen culminated in her election as Assemblywoman to the Batasang Pambansa in 1984.

Even in her retirement from formal politics, Amelia remained devoted to serving her fellow Filipinos, actively contributing as a Red Cross volunteer. She spearheaded blood donation programs and led relief operations in response to disasters, including the Cabanatuan earthquake and the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo.

Amelia’s achievements and dedication garnered her more accolades, including the Silver Humanitarian Service Cross Award from the American Red Cross, the Gold Humanitarian Award, and the Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon Medal award from the Philippine National Red Cross. She was also honored as a Gintong Ina Awardee and received the Philippine Centennial Commission Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award.

Today, as we commemorate Amelia Gordon’s birthday, we celebrate not just a date on the calendar but a timeless legacy of humanitarianism that continues to inspire generations. Dick Gordon and the Philippine Red Cross carry forward her torch, ensuring that the spirit of compassion and service blazes brightly in Olongapo and beyond.

Philippine Red Cross volunteers, assets on alert as Typhoon ‘Goring’ intensifies

Written on August 26, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is in the midst of preparation as Typhoon Goring (international name: Saola) placed several regions in Northern Luzon under Signal No. 1. PRC’s rescue and relief assets, equipment, and volunteers are ready to move in anticipation of the possible development of the storm into a typhoon category on Saturday (26 August).

Food trucks, water tankers, and payloaders are in place and can be mobilized instantly. Ambulances, generators, and rescue equipment have similarly been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon assured that PRC’s chapters and RC143 volunteers are prepared to be mobilized, adding “Northern Luzon is still reeling from the impacts of Egay and Falcon. Landslides can be expected to occur in this region as it experienced massive amounts of rain during the past weeks. Along with other lifelines such as food, water, electricity, and telecommunications, our payloaders are prepositioned in case landslides, fallen trees, and other debris will block roads and hamper our relief and rescue operations.”

PRC Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang said that the PRC chapters in other parts of Luzon and Visayas are also prepared to respond as Goring is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon, which will also cause occasional rains to the mentioned regions.

Philippine Red Cross sends first aiders, gives hot meals to CDO families affected by fire

Written on August 23, 2023. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) attended to 100 individuals, or approximately 20 families, whose houses at Purok 5, Brgy. Tablon, Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, were razed by a third-level fire last Monday morning, August 21.

Through its Misamis Oriental-Cagayan De Oro Chapter, the PRC deployed an assessment team with two personnel and a service vehicle with three first aiders to assist the families who lost their houses after providing hot meals, such as arroz caldo.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed concern for the affected families who had to evacuate. He reiterated the importance of PRC’s ongoing efforts to train at least one first aider in every household for emergencies such as this.

“The reason why we are pushing to have a first aider in every community, school, and home is because they will serve as the first responders during emergencies. Other forms of assistance will require time to reach the location of the incident, but if the first aiders reside within the community, we can deliver immediate medical attention and prevent loss of life,” he emphasized.

PRC Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang said it is important to instill discipline in everyone to avoid accidents such as the recent fire in Cagayan de Oro as she urged the public to observe fire safety precautions to prevent indoor and outdoor fire incidents.

PH Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Ever Commonwealth Mall hold blood donation drive for second time this year

Written on August 16, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), and Ever Commonwealth Mall held a blood donation drive, dubbed “Sagip Dugtong Buhay,” at Ever Commonwealth Mall on 11 August 2023. Throngs of blood donors showed up for the event, which resulted in 1,599 bags of blood collected, which can save 6,369 lives.

PRC, the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, and media company GMA Network’s socio-civic arm, GMAKF, have been partners in blood donation drives for 27 years. They aim to contribute to the country’s goal of having an adequate blood supply for medical emergencies. The blood donation drive was held on the occasion of GMAKF founder Mel Tiangco’s birthday.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon thanked Ms. Tiangco for her advocacy, saying: “Mel has defined herself. Tayong lahat kailangan may definition tayo. Ano’ng klaseng tao tayo. Mabuti ba tayong tao? Madaling sabihin ‘yon. Sabi ko nga sa Latin, ‘acta, non-verba’ — action, not words. Kailangan may prinsipyo ka.”

Gordon also thanked the blood donors and acknowledged their sense of service, saying: “Helping other people, giving blood, needs practice. If you do not practise it, makakalimutan mo ‘yan. We salute you! We do not know who gets the blood. It is important for you to realize that.”

Gordon granted the PRC Blood Galloner recognition to those who have donated a gallon of blood so far in their lifetime. PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang made the rounds among the blood donors and personally thanked and acknowledged them.

PRC deploys ambulance, cadaver bag for vehicular crash victims in Mandaluyong

Written on August 11, 2023. Posted in Features, News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) fire truck and ambulance unit responded to a vehicular crash that left one male pedestrian dead and another injured at Madison St. corner Pioneer St. in Mandaluyong City yesterday evening.

The PRC’s Emergency Response Unit extricated the two pedestrians and helped other rescuers provide urgent prehospital treatment and ambulance transport to the injured victim. The PRC’s Emergency Medical Services, meanwhile, provided a cadaver bag for the deceased victim.

From January 1 to August 10 this year, PRC deployed 6,356 ambulance emergency responses — 1,343 of which were to various types of vehicle crashes. A total of 1,246 patients were involved in the vehicular crashes.

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed compassion to the families of the victims and noted the importance of accident insurance and a culture of safety as he urged every Filipino to enroll in the organization’s Membership Accident Assistance Benefits (MAAB). “We all have to prepare for risks,” he added.

MAAB is PRC’s membership program, which also provides protection to members through accident insurance coverage in exchange for their volunteer service in PRC’s humanitarian activities, both physically and financially.

Chairman Gordon explained that the membership program helps the humanitarian organization fulfill its steadfast commitment to always be prepared to assist and respond to those in need.

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