Despite accusations and allegations hurled against the country’s premier humanitarian organization, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said that it will continue to extend help and assist people who are in need amidst these trying times.
“Ang Philippine Red Cross ay isa sa pinaka-respetadong Red Cross organization sa buong mundo (The Philippine Red Cross is one of the most respected Red Cross organizations in the world),” the organization said in a statement issued Friday, Sept. 17.
PRC said it will continue to be the “lifeline” of the Filipino people especially now that the country is still fighting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Hinding-hindi titigil ang aming mga staff and volunteers sa pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan kahit na ano pang issue ang ibato sa amin (Our staff and volunteers will never stop providing service to our countrymen no matter what other issue is thrown at us),” PRC said.
“Magpapatuloy kami maghatid ng tulong lalong-lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya (We will continue to deliver aid especially during the pandemic),” PRC added.
The PH Red Cross, particularly its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard Gordon, has been repeatedly criticized by President Duterte recently.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/16/processing-fees-for-donated-blood-dictated-by-govt-says-ph-red-cross/
Continued COVID-19 response
As a proof of PRC’s commitment in the fight against COVID-19 is the outstanding numbers when it comes to the pandemic response.
Data from PRC showed that as of Sept. 16, it has already tested 4,254,872 swab and saliva samples which comprises 21 percent of the total tests conducted in the Philippines.
PRC has 13 operational molecular laboratories strategically located across the country with a 14th molecular laboratory to open in Cotabato City this weekend.
When it comes to COVID-19 vaccination, PRC has inoculated a total of 127,808 individuals in its 20 “Bakuna” centers and 16 “Bakuna” buses.
PRC said the “Bakuna Buses” make up its mobile vaccine clinic fleet going around the country to provide free vaccinations to remote communities whose citizens have not been able to get inoculated due to lack of mobility or health issues.
The PRC also serviced 3,381 patients in six operational isolation facilities. Earlier this week, PRC’s Tuguegarao Isolation Facility accepted its first batch of patients to respond to the rising cases within the region.
Moreover, a total of 34,810 patients have also been served by the PRC in its emergency field hospitals and medical tents.
As of Sept. 17, there are 111 medical tents deployed by PRC to assist 62 hospitals located in areas where there are high cases of COVID-19.
To help communities affected by repeated imposition of lockdowns, PRC is also providing hot meals to the people in need as part of its COVID-19 response.
Through its “Hot-Meals-On-Wheels,” a food truck fleet deployed in areas affected by lockdowns, PRC has provided freshly cooked food to 85,799 individuals so far.
Aside from these efforts, PRC continues to make available its regular blood services and convalescent plasma, free dialysis treatments, housing, and free ambulance services to indigent individuals.
“The Philippine Red Cross performing all this around the clock since the pandemic began,” the organization said.
“There are also disaster recovery operations being implemented by the PRC to help victims of typhoons and other natural disasters to get back on their feet,” it added.