Fundamental principles
As a humanitarian movement affiliated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the members are guided by seven fundamental principles that center on humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality, Hector Julius Soledad, PRC-Zamboanga del Norte Chapter administrator, told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in an interview.
He stressed that these standards are the guiding principles that inspire all Red Cross staff and volunteers to do humanitarian services, as these are the values that define their character, purpose and existence.
“Being a Red Crosser is more than just a philosophy but a way of life,” he declared.
The PRC-Zamboanga del Norte Chapter has organized the Red Cross Action Team (RCAT) which is composed of 50 volunteers that include doctors, nurses, engineers and students who are ready to assist and respond to any natural or manmade disaster.
RCAT volunteers and staff provide, first aid, psychosocial support, and act as disseminators of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
The local chapter has received equipment and training support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
It was also a recipient of the 2011 Capacity Building Project of the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC).
The federation donated one unit of rubber boat with engine for water search and rescue operations during disasters.
Service teams
PRC provides six major services, namely, blood services, disaster management, safety services, community health and nursing, social services and the volunteer service.
In 2011, it formed the 24/7 Emergency Response Unit (ERU), which is a team of emergency responders within Dipolog City in partnership with the city police station through its hotline, 143.
Also, the local chapter has Water Search and Rescue Team / Land Search and Rescue Team (WASAR/LASAR) composed of rescuers trained in water and land search and rescue operations.
Red Cross 143 in barangays
The PRC- ZN Chapter also launched the Red Cross 143 in various barangays of Zamboanga del Norte to teach people how to protect themselves in times of disaster by inculcating in them the value of disaster preparedness to readily respond to any type of calamity.
It aims to have 44 volunteers in a village composed of a leader and 43 members who serve as eyes, ears, hands and feet of the Red Cross in the community.
Each 143 volunteer trained on disaster preparedness and response, health and welfare and voluntary blood donation.
Always First, Always Ready, Always There
“I agree with PRC Chairman Richard Gordon that the essence of being a Red Crosser is practically innate in all of us Filipinos and that all those who have not yet realized it, need a little push to awaken them that our country needs our collective participation,” PRC-ZN chapter representative Nidoh Gen Regencia said.
“We want to make a difference in serving the people in times of disaster, as our motto says: Always First, Always Ready, Always There,” he added.
Administrator Soledad also emphasized that the volunteers are grouped according to their passion, field of expertise or personality to maximize their potentials.
Other services
“We also helped families who lost contact with their loved ones either locally or internationally. To restore family communication is one of our advocacies,” Soledad said.
Another continuing program of the PRC is the blood donation campaign. Soledad said those who donated blood to the Red Cross are not only helping other people but their families as well. Blood is the most important commodity for a human being to live.
“The donated bags of blood will be deposited here and if someone needs blood, he can withdraw from the Red Cross provided he will replenish it and pay for the processing fee,” Soledad clarified.
The PRC continues to accept volunteers who are willing to give humanitarian services. Interested individuals can visit the PRC at their convenience. (PIA9)