The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) boosted its emergency response in Mindanao with the deployment of 13 upgraded Volunteer Emergency Response Vehicles (VERVs) in Mindanao chapters.
The organization said on Sunday, Jan. 14, its PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon deployed the distribution of the vehicles in Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon, Cotabato City, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Gingoog City, Iligan City, Lanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Surigao del Norte, Tawi-Tawi, and Zamboanga City.
Gordon mentioned that the PRC National Headquarters has made some improvements to the vehicles, such as adding a Public Address System, an Early Warning Light or Blinker, GPS that is connected to the Operations Center, and a small megaphone, among other things, to make sure that they are always ready to respond to emergencies.
“The vehicles are intended for official use, especially during emergencies, to deploy and transport volunteers, and essential supplies. Volunteers must be recruited, trained, and mobilized,” Gordon said.
The chairman also highlighted that it will support the PRC's broader initiatives, including Health Caravans, immunization drives, blood donation campaigns, and fundraising activities, particularly in remote communities.
The humanitarian organization added that these are part of the partnership between the PRC and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).