By JEAN FERNANDO
Photo from PRC
The city government of Parañaque signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on emergency preparedness and provision of medical and welfare services in celebration of National Blood Donor Month.
Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez signed the MOA with PRC and other 19 organizations, institutions, and government agencies held at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay on Tuesday, July 16. It was witnessed by Rep. Edwin Olivarez
Olivarez said the event was organized by the PRC Rizal Chapter and its branches aimed at strengthening the PRC’s partnerships with key institutions.
The event also recognized outstanding blood donors from the National Capital Region (NCR) and Rizal Province.
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, PRC Rizal Chapter Board Member Anson Ong, and other PRC officials signed the MOA with representatives from St. Mattheus Medical Hospital, Pasay-Parañaque Medical Society, Jose Rizal University, Olivarez College, PATTS College, West Bay College, BF Homes School, Jesus Cares Academy, Creative Minds Learning Center, Angel of the Holy Spirit School, University of Perpetual Help Dalta System, Philippine National Police Parañaque City, Bureau of Treasury, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, First Philippine Holdings, CW Marketing and Development Corp., Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Parañaque, Lions Club International District 301-A4, and Parañaque Filipino-Chinese Five Volunteer Association.
“We are establishing partnerships with different institutions to prepare for crises and disasters, especially now that more catastrophic events are happening globally, and our country is ranked number one in disaster risk. The partnership between the PRC and these institutions is a crucial step in ensuring preparedness,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon as he expressed his gratitude to PRC's partners.
The agreement ensures that the PRC can mobilize medical personnel from hospitals and medical groups to support emergency operations during large-scale disasters.
The PRC will also train students and employees on first aid.
Schools and corporations have pledged to support the PRC's programs and humanitarian campaigns such as blood donation drives, RC143 volunteering programs, and the Red Cross Youth.
Dr. Pang commended and recognized the blood donors for their contributions to promote universal access to safe blood supply.