PH cancer society honors Gordon as 'Man of Exemplary Influence'
By Sonny Daanoy
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman and chief executive officer Richard Gordon has been recognized as a "Man of Exemplary Influence" by the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS).

Gordon expressed his gratitude to the PCS during the ceremony on Sept. 27.
“My parents instilled in me compassion for other people, and this award is a testament to how my parents brought me up—with the values of voluntary service, empathy, and a sense of community," Gordon said in a mix of Filipino and English.
“To our kababayans (countrymen) who are cancer patients, know that there are people who are ready to support you, and among them are the people at Philippine Cancer Society and its donors,” he added.
The PCS acknowledged Gordon's exemplary leadership that has spanned decades, characterized by an unwavering commitment to serve the people.
"Gordon, who was a past member of PCS’ Board of Trustees, explored a possible collaboration with PCS to help the most vulnerable, specifically cancer patients," PRC said in a statement on Sept. 29.

Track record
During his time as Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman from 1992 to 1998 and Olongapo City Mayor from 1980 to 1993, Gordon played a pivotal role in leading joint Philippine-American civilian and military rescue efforts.
These efforts included the rescue mission at the collapsed Central College of the Philippines in Cabanatuan City and the safe return of thousands of college students stranded in Baguio City for reunification with their parents after a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Central Luzon in July 1990.
After the earthquake, Gordon also led the rehabilitation operations of Central Luzon.
As Department of Tourism Secretary from 2001 to 2004, Gordon played a crucial role in leading the rescue operation for kidnapped tourists at Dos Palmas in 2001.
In this incident, a group of armed militants belonging to the Abu Sayyaf Group-- a terrorist organization-- abducted several tourists and resort staff from the Dos Palmas Resort on Palawan Island.
Meanwhile, as Chairman and CEO of the PRC from 2004 to present, "he is at the helm of the country’s premier humanitarian organization, leading not just its disaster responses but also its other services, such as blood collection and dispensing and emergency medical services."
Furthermore, as a senator, "Gordon was instrumental in the enactment of a law that requires media companies to allot more airtime to information on emergencies and responses."