Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard J. Gordon received recognition from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) for his outstanding response leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement issued Sunday, June 2, the PRC said that IFRC, represented by its newly elected president Kate Forbes, awarded a certificate of recognition to Gordon on May 30 for the PRC’s successful response to Covid-19 that saved many lives.

Forbes, who was touring IFRC member countries in Southeast Asia, chose the Philippines as her first stop.

She delivered the keynote address at the World Disasters Report Forum held at the Makati Shangri-La. The event was presented by the IFRC and PRC, in cooperation with Australian Aid and the United Nations (UN) Philippines.

The report highlighted the need for preparedness, “both the ways preparedness ahead of Covid-19 was inadequate, and how to prepare more effectively for future public health emergencies.”

“We must now prepare our societies for the next public health emergency. Being truly prepared, therefore, means being ready to prevent, respond and recover, and to learn lessons for next time,” the report noted.

The report pointed out that preparedness must be based on trust, equity, and local action principles. Forbes explained that the PRC embodied all three elements.

“Our previous model of technical support and asset deployment from the Federation and other National Societies… was no longer effective,” she said.

“We needed to change. We needed to rewrite our playbook. This is where the Philippine Red Cross led the way. It is the case study for success in connecting with and empowering local communities,” she added.

Forbes noted that the PRC has been successful at working in local communities for decades.

“When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, the Philippine Red Cross had the tools, resources, and network to help communities,” she said. “As you can read in the report, the PRC anticipated needs of communities, it leveraged their trust, and implemented local action that kept communities safe,” she added.

PRC recognition

The recognition given to Gordon cited his “unwavering commitment and leadership in coordinating Philippine Red Cross’ response to the pandemic, leading nationwide efforts to safeguard lives and livelihoods…”

“His actions serve as a shining example of solidarity and collaboration, uniting nations and communities in the face of adversity,” the recognition added.

Gordon recalled that the support of its corporate partners and two million volunteers allowed the Philippines’ largest humanitarian organization to save lives amid the onslaught of Covid-19.

“We have it in us as a country… to meet every challenge, bear every burden or suffering. But when we get together, especially when we have leaders we can follow, and instead of saying it’s not my problem, we say I’ll be part of the solution,” he said.

Continuing efforts

The following day, May 31, the PRC demonstrated its preparedness with a Mass Casualty Incident Training and Simulation Exercise at the PRC Logistics and Training Center, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo.

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake scenario tested the emergency response capacity of the PRC and its Northern and Central Luzon chapters in managing a mass casualty incident.

Gordon emphasized the importance of the 4Ps of emergency response: Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice.

“One way to prepare for a large-scale disaster, especially an earthquake, is through MCI simulation exercise. Our country is the most disaster-prone in the world,” Gordon said. “While we cannot wish away hazards, we can focus on preparing for them,” he added.