Modernizing Philippine Red Cross

One of the highlights of the convention is the election of nine (9) members of the Board of Governors. Those 9 elected out of 18 nominees are shown above with the members of the election committee.

The Philippine Red Cross (PNRC) held its 28th Biennial National Convention on December 14 – 16 with the theme, "Modernizing Philippine Red Cross: Meeting New Challenges." It was held in the historic 87 years old Manila Hotel in Manila. The convention was participated by some 450 participants who came from all cities and provinces of the Philippines. They were Red Cross Provincial and City administrators, volunteer workers and board of directors of Red Cross chapters in the provinces and cities.

Aklan was rep-resented by Ms. Arceli Pelayo – administrator, and Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente – vice chair, board of directors.

Among the highlights of the convention are the election of nine (9) members of the Board of Governors who will provide policy–making and project implemen-tation; plenary sessions and workshops which tackled issues on climate change adaptation; the need to modernize equipment and improve PRC’s disaster responses procedure that will include early warning systems; public health emergencies, and topics on how information can be harnessed for PRC operations, assessment of services, and improvement to make to meet the increasing service demands of the people.

The election was with the use of one computer. In one hour, the 308 voting delegates have completely voted and the result of the election was released.

US Ambassador Kristie Kenny graced the opening ceremonies. She congratulated the PRC officials and volunteers for their outstanding performances with particular emphasis on the participation in the relief operations and rehabi-litation of the victims of typhoons Frank, Ondoy, and Pepeng.

Ms. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who was scheduled to be the guest of honor and speaker during the sessions on Wednesday, December 16 was not able to make it. Instead, she left for Copenhagen, Denmark that day.

Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman, Board of Governors, PRC delivered his Biennial Report. He summarized the PRC accomplishments especially for the last two years of the PRC operations. He was very eloquent in his discussion of the measures to do in order to modernize PRC operation and make it a truly premier humanitarian organization, "always first, always ready, always there."

Gordon reported the modern equipment now available in the PRC like the rescue vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks and boats.

Gordon discussed also the crucial role of information technology, the cooperation of volunteer workers like the 143 organized in the barangays, the use of early warning equipment, and the identification of evacuation centers to mitigate the effects of disasters.

The report also included the assistance made in the provision of shelters for flood and typhoon victims. "We have constructed 15,000 houses for disaster victims, and we will construct another 18,000 units," said Gordon.

The convention closed with the last plenary session presided by Toto Cua Locsin, member, PRC Board of Governors. The body approved resolutions, most of which are resolutions of thanks and commendation for individuals and organizations which have greatly contributed to the success of PRC projects. /MP