As it celebrates its anniversary, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon reflected on the organization's 77-year history of service and humanitarian efforts.

In an interview on Monday, April 15, Gordon cited the PRC as the “biggest” blood collector and contributor to hospitals in the country.

He said the organization contributed over 550,000 blood units and assisted 266,000 individuals last year in 2023.

Meanwhile, in the first quarter of this year, he noted the organization has already given blood to 125,472 people and 57,824 individuals nationwide.

At the height Covid-19, the Red Cross is the highest in vaccination to eradicate the virus, he said.

“Ang laki-laki ng lamang namin, hindi namin linya ‘yan pero pinasok namin ‘yan dahil nakakatakot kasi kapag tiningnan mo halos 100 million na namatay noong 1916 (We have huge difference (in other agencies) We didn't line that but we included it because it's scary when you look at it, almost 100 million died in 1916), he said in a mix of English and Tagalog.

 “So we immediately help the people, because it's our duty to alleviate human suffering," Gordon added.

The PRC also plays a significant role in disaster relief efforts.

"Our water tankers right now are in Zamboanga because some barangays there do not have water, and we have been there for two or three weeks,” Gordon said.

Currently, the PRC is also pushing to provide more polio, measles, pertussis, and tuberculosis (TB) vaccines amid the outbreak.

"The Department of Health (DOH) said the PRC is steadfast in vaccinating because we have what is called Volunteer Emergency Response Vehicle (Verv) that allows volunteers to vaccinate our people in rural areas quickly," he said.

Meanwhile, the organization reported last April 13 that it had vaccinated 12,703 individuals in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as part of an intensive vaccination campaign.

Gordon also mentioned that the PRC currently has 178 ambulances, food trucks, rescue trucks, fire trucks, and other emergency vehicles to provide the life-saving services.

On top of these, he proudly shared that volunteerism is also an integral part of the organization.

Gordon stressed the importance of volunteerism in helping others without seeking recognition by saying, “Pag makakatulong ka, huwag mong ipangalandakan na nakakatulong ka. Tulong ka lang nang tulong. (If you can help, don't mention that you are helping. Just keep on helping).”

“I'm very proud of our people, Of course, they are only volunteers but they can help our countrymen a lot,” he added.

The chairman then expressed his gratitude to the donors and volunteers who continuously rescue people.

“Thank you to the donors who provide us with an ambulance and blood, and thank you to the volunteers who rescue people, " he said.

Based on its released statement, the PRC now has over 2 million volunteers nationwide who can operate humanitarian assets, perform first aid, or respond to emergencies in their communities.

The organization also has a fleet of 178 vehicles, including ambulances, food trucks, rescue trucks, fire trucks, humvees, amphibians, rescue boats, water tankers with water bladders, and even payloaders to clear debris in case of disasters.