The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) underscored the vital role of volunteers when it comes to its response and rescue operations.

PRC spearheads the Red Cross 143 (RC 143) which is a community-based volunteering program where one leader and a minimum of forty-three (43) members form part of an active corps of capable, caring, and committed individuals.

The RC 143 also promotes a culture of self-help in the communities by developing a formidable network of Red Cross volunteers who will predict potential risks, plan, prepare, and practice for effective community-based disaster risk reduction.

For instance, PRC volunteers become instrumental in the rescue operations in Zambales where they immediately assisted the crew members of a barge that ran aground in Barangay Bangan Botolan, Zambales.

RC 143 volunteers immediately alerted PRC personnel of the maritime incident which was triggered by the strong waves caused by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae).

PRC Zambales Chapter attended to the medical needs and provided a physical examination to rescued crew members — one patient was transported to President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital.

The survivors underwent the Psychosocial Support Program (PSP) and were provided hygiene kits, temporary accommodation, food, dry clothes, and communication link to their families via phone calls.

“Ang Philippine Red Cross at mga barangay, sa pamamagitan ng Red Cross 143 volunteer system, ay nagtutulungan para mabilis na marespondehan at matulungan ang mga kababayan natin na biktima ng mga sakuna at hindi inaasahang insidente (The Philippine Red Cross and barangays, through the Red Cross 143 volunteer system, are working together to quickly respond and help our countrymen who are victims of disasters and unexpected incidents),” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard J. Gordon said.

Those who are interested to become PRC volunteers may inquire through www.redcross.org.ph or send an email to [email protected].