Philippine Red Cross | Humanitarian Organization in the Philippines

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) received a 124,067,000 million peso humanitarian contribution from Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. (BCFI) to support PRC’s Dialysis Samaritan Program, 2019 Safe Bood for All and the Capacity Enhancement of the PRC Olongapo Chapter.

“Their donation will surely go a long way in helping the most vulnerable and further strengthening PRC’s humanitarian efforts to uplift human dignity”, said Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

The cash grant will be used to sponsor a complete kidney dialysis and care treatment plan for indigent patients with kidney failure, provide indigent and charity patients better access to safe and quality blood, and for the procurement of equipment to enhance the capacity of the Blood Center and Communications Center of the PRC Olongapo Chapter.

The turn over ceremony was attended by BCFI President Donato Almeda, BCFI Executive Director Filipiniana Laureana, Regulatory Affairs Officer Atty. Ellan Mark Pailan, PRC National Blood Services (NBS)Director Dr. Monina Nalupta, and PRC Governor Carissa Coscolluela on September 11 at the 5th Floor of the Senate of the Philippines, Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

PRC’s Hemodialysis Center has already performed 1,161 treatments for indigent patients since its operation started on February 11, 2019. The National Blood Services dispensed 244,052 units of blood from January to mid-September of 2019 alone.

PRC Olongapo Chapter is one of the more aggressive chapters and needs equipment to increase its capability to react and respond to emergency situations.

The Philippine Red Cross is always committed to reach out to the helpless and to the most vulnerable.

WASHINGTON, US – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is awarded the coveted Measles and Rubella Initiative (M&RI) Champion Award during the annual M&RI Partners Meeting on Sept. 11 to 12 for PRC’s successful efforts to address the measles outbreak that struck the country earlier this year.

The M&RI, a global coalition between the American Red Cross, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United Nations Foundation, UNICEF, and World Health Organization, recognized PRC for utilizing community and partners to provide strategic work on measles response activities.

These activities include PRC’s three-pronged approach to the measles outbreak—alleviate the congestion in public hospitals by setting up emergency medical tents, mass vaccination programs in barangay level, and a massive information campaign on the need for and benefits of vaccination.

With the theme “Measles Move Fast, We Must Move Faster,” the annual M&RI partners meeting provides opportunities to share lessons learned, improve coordination, and benefit from new developments in the mission to eliminate measles and rubella globally.

Chairman Richard Gordon said the award mirrors PRC’s success in countering the measles outbreak, which also resulted in restoring the Filipino people’s trust in vaccination.

“The Red Cross played a crucial role in regaining the public’s trust in vaccination. We are extremely grateful for this award, but we know that the battle against measles is far from over. We commit to advocate for continued vaccination and create dialogue in communities to ensure that the welfare of their people is being looked after,” Gordon said.

The award was received by PRC Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla and PRC Health Services Head Mark Abrigo. Attended by around 130 participants from 30 international organizations, PRC Chairman & CEO, Sen. Richard Gordon is represented by PRC Secretary General Ms. Elizabeth Zavalla and Health Service Manager Mr. Mark Alvin Abrigo. PRC was also given the opportunity to present its accomplishments and approaches to the Measles Outbreak in the Philippines in one of the presentations during the meeting.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the measles outbreak in the country affected 38,939 individuals, resulting in 529 deaths.

Since the offset of the outbreak, PRC has administered vaccines to 16,956 children in most vulnerable areas and assisted 3,735 patients through its six measles care units.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) recognized 190 blood donation partners from Central Luzon for supporting the organization’s life-saving services.

During the PRC National Kadugo Awarding Ceremony, Chairman Richard Gordon expressed gratitude to blood donors and blood donation partners—noting that their commitment is beneficial to assist indigent Filipinos affected by dengue crisis, armed conflicts and catastrophic illnesses.

“We live in a very challenging time because of dengue. Your support enabled us to provide the blood needs in most affected communities. You give without counting the costs,” Gordon said.

The event recognized companies, organizations, and local government bodies from Bulacan, Bataan, Aurora, Pampanga, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo, and Tarlac that supported the Red Cross’ blood programs by organizing mass blood donations.

This year’s Outstanding Blood Service Partners of the Year in Central Luzon, awarded to institutions that reached over 10 years of partnership with PRC, are Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc., Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Provincial Government of Tarlac, Municipal Government Of Paniqui, and Tarlac State University.

Meanwhile, the Aurora Aragon Quezon Medal Award, one of the highest recognitions from PRC, was given to Vic Roel Ferrer, treasurer of the Nueva Ecija Chapter, for his “dedication and hard work in furthering the ideals of the Red Cross Movement.”

Since 2013, Ferrer has actively supported PRC in expanding the local Chapter’s capacity to respond to humanitarian challenges by establishing a partnership with Nueva Ecija Contractors Association, leading fundraising drives, and allocating personal resources to hold disaster relief activities.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Friday honors top blood donors in Central Luzon for their contributions in the organization’s humanitarian missions.

A total of 190 organizations and companies from Bulacan, Bataan, Aurora, Pampanga, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo, and Tarlac received citations, including top awards: Aurora Aragon-Quezon Award, Outstanding Blood Services Partner of the Year, and a set of special awards.

“Without all of you here, we will not be able to provide 52 percent of the blood needs in the country. Blood is always a necessity. We consider our blood donors as the lifeline of the people—they are the go-to people of this country,” Chairman Richard Gordon said.

Gordon added that blood donation is especially beneficial today as the country faces tough challenges brought by the dengue epidemic.

To date, PRC, in partnership with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, has provided 330 units of blood to 119 patients with dengue hemorrhagic cases.

“The Red Cross is responding to the needs of the people with a strong sense of urgency. Aside from providing blood, we also deployed medical tents in most congested hospitals, and deployed as well, our community volunteers to conduct massive cleanup and information drives,” he added.

More blood facilities to open in Bulacan

PRC, as one of the top suppliers of blood needs in the Philippines, operates with 94 blood service facilities nationwide.

The organization also eyes new blood service facilities in 17 cities and provinces, including San Rafael, Bocaue, Marilao, and San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan.

Since January, PRC has served 230,833 units of blood to 136,481 patients.