The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) commemorated the founding of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) Societies as well as its role in responding to those affected by natural and man-made disasters, including armed conflict.
(Philippine Red Cross / Manila Bulletin)
On June 24, PRC commemorated the 164th anniversary of the "Battle of Solferino" in Italy, which inspired the creation of a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting victims of war and armed conflict.
"This beautiful show of solidarity with fellow humans in times of distress is not new to the Red Cross. It is why the Red Cross was founded," PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gordon said.
"Rumesponde kami sa Marawi Conflict noong 2017 at sa Zamboanga Standoff noong 2013. Tumulong kami para maprotektahan ang mga karapatan ng mga tao sa panahon ng digmaan. (We responded to the Marawi Conflict in 2017 and the Zamboanga Standoff in 2013. We helped to protect people's rights during wartime)."
According to PRC, a young man named Henry Dunant was present on June 24, 1859, when the devastation caused by the Battle of Solferino occurred.
Together with other volunteers, he helped provide medical attention to those who had been hurt on both sides, thus preserving the human dignity of those affected.
After the World War II, Dunant's experience with the effects of war led him to push for creating an organization that would help and protect people impacted by war.
It is when the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the Geneva Conventions movement were established in 1949 due to his advocacy. (Rhowen Del Rosario)