In a bid to strengthen its local chapters’ assets and enhance operational capacity on the ground, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) turned over new vehicles to the Albay and Camarines Sur chapters to support the implementation of the Bicol Disaster Readiness and Response Project (BDRRP).
PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon led the turnover ceremony at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong City, alongside PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, American Red Cross (AmCross) Country Representative Mr. Shir Shah Ayobi, PRC Albay-Legazpi Chapter Administrator Rosiedel Rivero and PRC Camarines Sur Chapter Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Maria Felisa Badiola.
The BDRRP is a joint project between the PRC and the American Red Cross (AmCross) that encompasses various learning and training activities geared to help communities and schools hone necessary knowledge and skills to prepare and respond to disasters, including first aid and basic life support, enhancing community rapport with local governments’ disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) offices, and establishing community feedback and response mechanisms. It also aims to develop and mobilize the volunteer base in their communities.
“It is crucial for the local chapters to have the proper transportation tools in order to deliver crucial aid and services.”
Gordon said it is crucial for the local chapters to have the proper transportation tools in order to deliver crucial aid and services in times of crises, and to enhance chapter capacity in disaster response.
He highlighted the need for adequate assets in regions like Bicol that are considered high-risk areas.
“We have a mantra in the Red Cross that we take to heart: ‘volunteers + logistics + information technology (IT) = a Red Cross that is always first, always ready, always there.’ We recognize the importance of having the proper tools to be truly ready when disasters strike and to teach others how to survive,” Gordon said.
“More than that, we need volunteers who can be mobilized, who communities can call, and who they can trust when disasters strike. We endeavor always to harmonize our tools and manpower because we are serious about saving lives, alleviating suffering, and uplifting human dignity,” he remarked.
We hope to expand the project’s areas of coverage to provide aid and assistance to vulnerable communities
Dr. Pang added that: “These vehicles will not only help our chapters transport basic necessities to people in need, but it will also take us farther in our mission to reach more people and leave no one behind. We hope to expand the project’s areas of coverage to provide aid and assistance to vulnerable communities up to the last mile. Along the way, we also aim to onboard more volunteers from communities and schools who are equipped and ready to join our mission in saving lives.”
The first BDRRP was implemented in 2018 in Catanduanes. From this year until 2026, the project will be implemented by the Albay-Legazpi City and Camarines Sur chapters.
