Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is set to give initial monetary support, amounting to US$ 50,000, in support to the on-going search, rescue and retrieval operation after a 7.0-magnitude tremor earthquake struck Haiti last January 13.
"The Philippine Red Cross will donate US$ 50,000 in support to on-going operation in Haiti. This is not the first time that the PNRC will be extending international aid," said PRC Chairman Gordon.
The PRC substantially contributed manpower and other resources to countries such as the United States during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Indonesia during their relief efforts after the tsunami, and after the earthquakes in China and Pakistan.
Likewise, PRC is also looking at the possibility of bringing its state-of-the-art emergency response vehicles (ERVs) and other rescue equipment to Haiti as additional rescue resources for the operation.
"We have fully-equipped ambulances and other rescue equipment which we can send to Haiti. We are still looking at the possibility of bringing these equipment to augment rescue operations," he said.
Gordon also added that the PRC is continuously generating funds in support to the search, rescue and retrieval operation in Haiti through corporate appeals and donate-a-load project in cooperation with SMART and GLOBE Telecommunications.
"In the belief that we must help others when we can and where we can, the PRC, including our 96 local chapters nationwide, is exerting our best effort to help in the Haiti operation. We are doing our best and we are coordinating to the Red Cross in Haiti," he said.
PRC, in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is also currently accepting inquiries from relatives in the Philippines who have lost contact and would like to inquire about their loved ones and family members in Haiti.
For inquiries, the PRC Operation Center, located at the National Headquarters in Manila, can be reached at the following numbers: 143, 527-00-00; 524-57-87; 666-50-34 and 994-05-03.
To donate through share-a-load, text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart). Through G-CASH, type DONATE<space>AMOUNT<space>4-digit M-PIN<space>REDCROSS to 2882.