As the Philippines prepares for another rainy season, which typically sees an average of 20 typhoons each year—of which eight to nine make landfall—the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is once again taking the lead in disaster preparedness and response. Supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and its membership, PRC is intensifying its efforts to protect the country's most vulnerable communities.
According to the 2024 World Risk Index (WRI), the Philippines has been ranked as the most disaster-prone country in the world for the 16th consecutive year, facing a complex array of threats including typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and conflicts. In anticipation of these challenges, the PRC has strategically prepositioned life-saving resources and activated community-based volunteer networks across the nation.
“Preparedness saves lives, and PRC’s readiness today is a reflection of decades of investment in local capacity, supported by Movement partners,” said Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross.
The PRC operates through its 101 chapters and a 24/7 Operations Centre, coordinating more than a million trained volunteers and staff. With support from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), the PRC has increased its warehouse stock of relief items, ready for rapid deployment through its extensive logistics fleet, which includes eight regional warehouses, 140 ambulances, 29 water tankers, 36 food trucks, amphibious vehicles, rescue boats, response motorcycles, as well as a dedicated drone and satellite internet communications network. In addition, the organization maintains 17 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) hubs equipped with mobile purification systems and emergency water bladders—crucial resources as storm surges and floods increasingly impact coastal communities and landslide situations in mountainous areas.
Emergency medical services have been fully mobilized, featuring three field hospitals, 128 medical tents, and 5,700 medical corps volunteers. These services are supported by 109 blood facilities, mobile health units and vaccination buses, along with agreements with the Department of Health and private transport companies to enhance mass casualty readiness. Central to the PRC's efforts is its Red Cross 143 program, which trains local leaders and at least 44 volunteers in each barangay (village). This grassroots network is essential for disseminating early warning messages, conducting rapid assessments, and providing first response during typhoons, floods, and landslides.
Furthermore, PRC has pioneered anticipatory action with Early Action Protocols (EAPs) for typhoons and floods, enabling interventions up to 72 hours before a disaster strikes. In 2024 alone, shelter strengthening kits were installed in advance of Typhoon Marce in Cagayan and Super Typhoon Pepito in Aurora, Quirino, Isabela, and Northern Samar, minimizing damage and protecting families.
These proactive measures have been made possible through the IFRC’s anticipatory funding mechanisms, which allocated nearly CHF 535,000 for readiness and pre-emptive relief. The Philippine Red Cross’s ability to act swiftly relies on the continued support of its partners.
From early action financing to long-term resilience programming, sustained investments are necessary to keep communities safe as climate threats intensify.
“We’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with PRC,” said Sanjeev Kafley, Head IFRC Country Delegation. “Their leadership in anticipatory action and community preparedness is not only saving lives but also setting a global benchmark.” He added “In light of the six consecutive cyclones in six weeks' time span that impacted the country last year, it is imperative that we collectively strengthen coordination among all stakeholders. Doing so will ensure effective resource mobilization and timely dissemination of critical information to those most in need. We reiterate the need to reinforce collaboration, invest in preparedness, and remain proactive in safeguarding the most vulnerable populations.”
As the skies darken and storms loom, the Philippine Red Cross stands ready—not just to respond, but to take action before, during, and after disasters strike. Always first, always ready, always there.