“Both at the local or national level, the Red Cross is creatively seeking more ways to generate funds so that it can continue to deliver much needed humanitarian services.

The “ber” months are not only associated with the Christmas season; they are, unfortunately, also the months when storms and typhoons wreak havoc in the country.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has 104 chapters nationwide and around 80 percent of its workforce are volunteers. Back when I was working in the newsroom, I would often interview a representative of the Red Cross before, during or after natural calamities strike. They help the general public with disaster preparedness, in support or rescue efforts as events unfold, and are certainly front and center together with local and national government units in providing relief in times of disasters.

Because of my professional background as a journalist, its Disaster Management Services is top of mind when I think of the Red Cross. It has several other services including Community Health and Nursing, Safety, Welfare, Red Cross Youth and National Blood Services. The latter is definitely also a

The PRC Blood Service Network in the Philippines has 28 blood centers and 65 blood collecting units.

My husband was hospitalized last July due to dengue fever. His specialist doctor discussed with me the possibility of blood transfusion if his platelet count did not go up. Top of mind again was the Red Cross and its blood services. Thankfully, his platelet count inched up and his doctor no longer felt that a transfusion was necessary.

Whether it is an earthquake, a tropical storm or flooding, aside from the local and national disaster risk reduction and management councils, I would always see the Red Cross in action.

Internationally, the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems have come to symbolize, for me and countless others, rescue, relief, hope and care. “The red cross, red crescent and red crystal are symbols of protection…In times of war,” these emblems mean, “don’t shoot!” They also signify neutrality (www.redcross.org.uk).

Just this week, the PRC, through its Chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon, has committed to assist the Department of Health (DoH) by providing full support of 143 volunteers in updating the list of children for mass immunization with the oral polio vaccine (redcross.org.ph). This was the PRC’s response to the declaration of the DoH that there is a polio outbreak in the country after a 19-year absence of this virus.

Currently, one of the challenges faced by the Red Cross in its Misamis Oriental Chapter in Northern Mindanao is the need for more regular blood donors. For those who are unable to donate blood but are interested in donating some other way, this particular Red Cross Chapter has a Samaritan Program. Individual donors or organizations may opt to donate money to cover the blood processing fee rather than donating blood.

Both at the local or national level, the Red Cross is creatively seeking more ways to generate funds so that it can continue to deliver much needed humanitarian services.

Fundraising done by philanthropists or by the PRC itself are always a much-needed boost. The Red Charity Gala is on 12 October and the fifth edition of PRC’s Million Volunteer Run is on 8 December.

The “ber” months can be challenging, most especially in our typhoon-belt areas, but the hard work that people and organizations like the Red Cross do to alleviate human suffering is cause to be hopeful.