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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Reaffirming stronger humanitarian ties: Philippine Red Cross welcomes ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger

Reaffirming stronger humanitarian ties: Philippine Red Cross welcomes ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger

Published Aug 23, 2025 11:35 am
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon (left) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger during her visit to the PRC headquarters in Manila. (Photo from PRC)
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon (left) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger during her visit to the PRC headquarters in Manila. (Photo from PRC)
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) welcomed International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger at its national headquarters in Manila, reaffirming the strong humanitarian partnership between the two organizations.
Spoljaric, the first woman to lead the ICRC, was received by PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard J. Gordon, together with the PRC Board of Governors, staff, and volunteers on August 22.
The visit underscored decades of collaboration between the ICRC and the PRC in protecting lives, promoting international humanitarian law (IHL), and supporting vulnerable communities across the Philippines.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger (left) visits the Philippine Red Cross headquarters in Manila, reaffirming decades of humanitarian partnership and honoring the dedication of Red Cross volunteers. (Photo from PRC)
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger (left) visits the Philippine Red Cross headquarters in Manila, reaffirming decades of humanitarian partnership and honoring the dedication of Red Cross volunteers. (Photo from PRC)
Tribute to Red Cross volunteers
In her message, Spoljaric praised the dedication of Red Cross volunteers, describing them as the “frontrunners of humanitarian action.”
“The people risking their lives are the volunteers of the national societies — very often young people who believe in the Red Cross and Red Crescent, who believe in doing good and being part of something bigger,” she said. “Their service is the heart of our Movement.”
Her statement highlighted the vital role of the PRC’s vast volunteer network in disaster response, health services, and humanitarian missions.
Gordon: Neutrality is not weakness
Gordon, author of the Philippine law on International Humanitarian Law (RA 9851), commended Spoljaric’s leadership and historic role at the ICRC.
“At her age, she has accomplished so much — representing her country, serving in the United Nations, and now leading one of the world’s most important humanitarian institutions,” Gordon said. “Her leadership is a golden opportunity for the Red Cross Movement,” he added.
He further emphasized that the principle of neutrality remains a powerful assertion of humanity, not submission.
“Neutrality is not weakness. It is assertion — assertion that we stand for suffering humanity, that we must inspire by our actions, and that we use humanitarian diplomacy to alleviate human suffering,” Gordon said.
Strengthening humanitarian ties
The visit reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the PRC and ICRC, both committed to addressing humanitarian challenges, responding to disasters, and promoting peace through humanitarian diplomacy.
Philippine Red Cross welcomes ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, further strengthening ties between the two organizations in advancing humanitarian diplomacy and protecting vulnerable communities.(Photo from PRC)
Philippine Red Cross welcomes ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, further strengthening ties between the two organizations in advancing humanitarian diplomacy and protecting vulnerable communities.(Photo from PRC)
With Spoljaric’s leadership, the collaboration is expected to grow further, ensuring that the Red Cross Movement continues to serve as a lifeline for the most vulnerable in the Philippines and beyond.


Related Tags

Philippine Red Cross ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger International Committee of the Red Cross PRC humanitarian partnership Red Cross volunteers Philippines Richard Gordon Red Cross humanitarian diplomacy Philippines
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