The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), on Sunday, Nov. 19, officially launched the organization's welfare services online by introducing the Welfare Services Chatline to reach distressed Filipinos in the conflict-affected countries of Israel and Gaza.
The move was initiated in response to a request from the Philippine Embassy in Israel on Nov. 7 for the PRC to provide psychological first aid (PFA) and counseling services to overseas Filipinos affected by conflict.
In a letter, Philippine Ambassador Mr. Pedro Laylo detailed the situation in Israel and said that "many Filipinos are experiencing mental distress and trauma due to the attacks, explosions, constant rocket alerts, and other disturbances."
Laylo added that the PRC's online counseling services can support and assist the embassy team in Israel.
In response, the PRC met with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Embassy in Israel to assess the situation and develop a plan to assist affected Filipinos.
The organization then explained that Chatline aims to reconnect Filipinos in conflict areas with their families in the Philippines through the Restoring Family Links program and refer them to appropriate agencies for additional support.
However, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang explained that the Chatline is just one of several initiatives the PRC is undertaking to help Filipinos affected.
She emphasized the importance of family reconnection for Filipinos by saying, "Family is one of the reasons why we persevere. Some of us endure life abroad to help our families. Helping them reconnect with their families in this time of crisis through our RFL program can fuel them to continue."
The PRC added that this chatline will operate 24/7, available on Messenger, Viber, and WhatsApp, and they can connect with the PRC's Welfare Services' Chatline at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553133071546&mibextid=ZbWKwL, and a PRC staff or volunteer will connect to their inquiries.