PH Red Cross highlights preparedness for earthquake response in Mindanao
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Saturday, Nov. 18, assured its readiness to respond in case of earthquake incidents in some parts of Mindanao.

"There is always an earthquake in that part of Mindanao because of the fault lines, so our RC143 (PRC's official mobile application) volunteers, rescue and relief assets are trained and ready in that area as well as in the whole country so that we can immediately respond to our countrymen who will be affected by any disaster like the earthquake that happened yesterday (Nov. 17)," PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon said in a statement.
"Because of that, we can deploy our ambulances easily in Mindanao yesterday that is why we have been there providing assistance," Gordon added.
In response to the 6.8-magnitude quake that struck several parts of Mindanao, the PRC said it set up three gazebo tents at Dadiangas Medical Center in General Santos City to temporarily house 26 infants while the hospital is undergoing structural inspections.
PRC volunteers have also established mobilized-operated welfare desks and first aid stations in General Santos City, South Cotabato, and North Cotabato. These stations have provided Psychological First Aid (PFA) to 131 affected individuals and treated 61 persons, including students from Kidapawan City National High School, who experienced hyperventilation, fainting, and dizziness.
The organization added that over 30 ambulance units with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and other rescue equipment from PRC chapters across Mindanao are on standby to transport and provide pre-hospital care to those affected by the earthquake.
On the other hand, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang expressed her appreciation to the PRC volunteers in Mindanao by stating, "You are one of the reasons why the PRC is among the first groups to respond to Davao Occidental in the aftermath of the earthquake."