The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) marks its 75th anniversary this year, with the distinction of being the country’s foremost humanitarian organization rendering comprehensive services through its 102 chapters nationwide to millions of Filipinos.
From its humble beginnings as being primarily a blood collection agency, the PRC has gained recognition as the most visible and reliable relief organization in times of disasters and calamities including typhoons, earthquakes, armed conflict, and disease outbreaks. It has also aided in rebuilding damaged and destroyed homes and shelters. Most importantly, it has established an extensive network of trained emergency medical services personnel.
Significantly, the PRC is acknowledged for its prompt response capability emanating from a state-of-the-art operations center that is directly linked to all its chapters throughout the country. The center enables the organization to respond swiftly to any emergency, providing a coordinated response that maximizes the impact of the Red Cross volunteers and aid logistics.
The organization’s mobility is assured by a fleet of 178 ambulances, food trucks, rescue trucks, fire trucks, off-road emergency vehicles or Humvees, amphibians, rescue boats, wing vans, water tankers with water bladders, and payloaders to clear debris in case of disasters. The MV Amazing Grace, a humanitarian aid ship, is deployed to provide rescue and relief items to various islands in the Philippines.
Chairman Richard J. Gordon has led the PRC’s march toward becoming a truly adaptive and highly responsive organization by adopting the mantra: “Volunteers + Logistics + Information Technology = a Philippine Red Cross that is Always First, Always Ready, Always There.” Bannered by over 1.5 million registered volunteers across the country, it is the largest humanitarian organization in the Philippines. This network of volunteers is crucial in responding to emergencies, as they are often the first to arrive on the scene and provide initial assistance before emergency responders can arrive.
During the critical period following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the PRC became an important rallying point for health frontliners as it quickly mobilized its equipment, facilities, and volunteer force to conduct surveillance and contact tracing. Its seven molecular laboratories accounted for 26 percent of the tens of thousands that needed to be tested nationwide. Seventy-one medical tents were set up to support public and private hospitals. Red Cross volunteers also distributed emergency food packages, providing psychosocial support, promoting healthy behavior and improved hygiene, and reaching nearly a million beneficiaries.
The PRC has become a highly efficient and effective organization that is always ready to respond to emergencies and disasters. It has earned the gratitude and respect of millions of Filipinos affected by natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies who have witnessed the professionalism and dedication of its personnel and volunteers.
Gordon's legacy will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, as the PRC continues to be a beacon of hope and assistance for those in need. We join the nation in saluting him and the PRC for serving as the country’s premier humanitarian service organization.