The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) marked National Blood Donor Month on Tuesday, July 16, by signing a Memorandum of Agreement to collaborate on medical and welfare services with 19 organizations, institutions, and government agencies.
“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,” PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon said as expressed gratitude to PRC's partners.
“The partnership between the PRC and these institutions is a crucial step in ensuring preparedness,” he added.
The event, held at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, also honored exceptional blood donors from the National Capital Region and Rizal Province.
PRC Secretary General 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.
The agreement ensures that the PRC can deploy medical personnel from hospitals and medical groups to assist in emergency operations during significant disasters.
Furthermore, schools and corporations have committed to backing PRC's service delivery initiatives and humanitarian campaigns, including blood donation drives, RC143 volunteering programs, and Red Cross Youth. In return, the PRC will provide training in first aid to students and employees.
The event honored blood donors who have achieved the milestone of donating one gallon of blood.
Pang praised their contributions to ensuring universal access to a safe blood supply.
The event, coordinated by the PRC Rizal Chapter and its branches, aims to bolster the PRC's partnerships with key institutions within the chapter's jurisdiction.