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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Game-changer': PH Red Cross, Angkas partner to save lives on the go!

'Game-changer': PH Red Cross, Angkas partner to save lives on the go!

Published Feb 24, 2021 02:37 pm

Speed matters when it comes to saving lives.

Recognizing the importance of having quick and easy access to services, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has partnered with Angkas to extend its humanitarian efforts nationwide.

(ALVIN KASIBAN / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement (MoA) on Wednesday, Feb. 24, PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard Gordon underscored the importance of the partnership when it comes to providing assistance to Filipinos in need.

“Our partnership with Angkas is a game-changer because this will further strengthen our reach and capacity to provide service to the most vulnerable – wherever and whenever it is needed,” Gordon said.

Following the partnership, Angkas becomes the first and largest app-based professional motorcycle taxi service in the country to assist in the delivery of humanitarian interventions such as blood needs, first aid and other responses in relation to the fight against coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“Every minute matters in life-saving and having quick access through the use of motorcycles and a network of trained volunteers will make a great difference,”  Gordon added.

The partnership includes PRC membership program enrollment of all Angkas riders, employees, and family members. In line with this, Angkas riders will also become volunteers under the Red Cross 143 program.

The Angkas riders will also receive first aid and CPR trainings, which will enable them to respond to road accidents and give immediate help - becoming emergency responders on the road even during disasters.

As PRC expands its sample collection sites in different malls, Angkas riders will also be trained to do home service for saliva testing, making COVID-19 testing faster, more convenient, and accessible to those who are unable to leave their homes.

The MoA signing was held at the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center (PLMC). It was attended by Gordon, Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla, Assistant Secretary General for Programs and Services Christie Nalupta, and representatives from Angkas including Chief Transport Advocate and Co-founder George Royeca and the Head of Operations David Medrana.

Royeca said that Angkas is greatly honored about the new partnership with the PRC. This, he added, “will enable us to contribute even more to our country’s nation-building in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The partnership, Royeca explained, is also congruent with Angkas’ commitment to “always be of support to the country and to be of service to the Filipinos.” He added that this development “underscores the importance that we put in safeguarding the health, welfare, and safety of our partner bikers and the riding public.”  

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