The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) reaffirmed its commitment to disaster preparedness by hosting its 34th Biennial National Convention from April 28 to 30 at the PRC Logistics and Multi-Purpose Center (PLMC) in Mandaluyong City.

The event brought together volunteers, staff, and partners from PRC’s 102 chapters to enhance readiness for future humanitarian challenges in the disaster-prone Philippines.

Simultaneous simulation exercise showcases disaster response capabilities

A key highlight of the convention was the Simultaneous Simulation Exercise (SimEx), which demonstrated PRC’s disaster response protocols through realistic scenarios, including a landslide in Davao de Oro, a flash flood in Olongapo, a volcanic eruption in Negros Occidental, a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) in Quezon City, and a massive fire in Baseco, Manila.

Coordinated by the PRC’s 24/7 Operations Center in Mandaluyong, the SimEx aimed to familiarize the public with the organization’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during major or multiple disaster situations.

It also highlighted the critical roles of PRC staff and Red Cross 143 volunteers, as well as the assets mobilized during disaster operations.

“We’re doing this SimEx for everyone to familiarize themselves with what we do in the Red Cross,” said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon, who led the first plenary session. “We practice the 4Rs (Respond, Report, Record, Recognize) and the 4Ps (Predict, Plan, Prepare, Practice),” he added.

“Ipinapakita natin kung ano ang gagawin kung sakaling mangyari ang 7.8-magnitude earthquake sa atin, gaya ng nangyari sa Myanmar, landslide, volcanic eruption, flooding, at iba pa. Huwag naman sanang mangyari ang mga ito, but we have to be prepared (We are demonstrating what to do in case a 7.8-magnitude earthquake occurs here, similar to what happened in Myanmar, as well as in the event of landslides, volcanic eruptions, flooding, and other disasters. Hopefully, these won't happen, but we must be prepared),” Gordon said.

Preparing for the worst: A disaster-prone nation

Gordon emphasized the importance of preparedness in a country frequently hit by natural calamities.

“The Philippines is a disaster-prone country, which is why this is so important. Kami lang ang mayroon nito (We’re the only ones who have this),” Gordon said, referencing the potential for events like a 7.8-magnitude earthquake, landslides, volcanic eruptions, or flooding.

He also announced plans for a PRC Training Academy, which will be established within two years to further enhance volunteer and staff capabilities. “In two years, we plan to have our training academy at the Red Cross,” Gordon said.

New initiatives and recognition

The convention also served as a platform to launch several new PRC projects, including:

• Safe Card Membership: A program to expand community engagement and support.
• Million Volunteer Fund Drive: A fundraising initiative to bolster PRC’s humanitarian efforts.
• Organ Donation Program: A new advocacy to promote organ donation awareness.

The event concluded with an awarding ceremony recognizing the top-performing PRC chapters for their outstanding contributions to humanitarian service.

A unified effort for humanity

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang expressed gratitude to all participants and partners.

“Your presence today, and every day in our communities, reminds us that the true strength of the Philippine Red Cross lies not just in one place but in every heart, in every volunteer, and in every act of service across our country,” she said.

The convention underscored the collaborative spirit of PRC’s network, reinforcing its mission to save lives and serve communities nationwide.