President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., together with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, personally called Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Dick Gordon to urgently seek the Red Cross’ assistance in deploying tents for families displaced by the recent earthquake in Northern Cebu.
“The province of Cebu is and will always be close to my heart. That is why I went out of my way to go to Bogo, Medellin, and San Remigio on Saturday to personally witness the situation on the ground.” Gordon said.
“In times like these, speed is the name of the game.”
“After the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Northern Cebu, so many families were left with nothing — sleeping on sidewalks, in open spaces, and under makeshift shelters. That’s why we moved fast. In times like these, speed is the name of the game,” he added.
Dizon, who closely worked with Gordon during the pandemic response, recalled the effectiveness of PRC tents, which had been successfully utilized as hospital extensions during the COVID-19 crisis.
PRC has family tents on standby for immediate deployment to provide safe and temporary shelter for affected households.
“As an auxiliary to the government, the Philippine Red Cross immediately responded to the call to set up tents as temporary shelters for 2,500 displaced families,” Gordon explained.
He swiftly mobilized PRC assets from warehouses in Manila, Cebu, and Subic, including prepositioned medical and family tents, food supplies, and emergency equipment ready for rapid dispatch to the hardest-hit communities.
PRC is on standby and awaiting the go-signal from the LGU, which is identifying an open area where the tent city can be set up. Once the site is confirmed, PRC also assists in camp management to ensure safety, order, and proper living conditions for displaced families.
Dizon assured that DPWH, in coordination with DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, will provide full logistical support — including air transport via C-130s if necessary — to ensure the swift delivery of aid.
Gordon lauded the President’s quick action, emphasizing that decisive leadership in the earliest hours of disaster response saves lives.
“The President moved quickly and decisively. That kind of leadership is what our people need in times of crisis. His call to action allows the Red Cross and government agencies to work hand in hand in bringing immediate relief to the victims of this earthquake,” he said.
“We are here to alleviate the suffering of our countrymen.”
“We are here to alleviate the suffering of our countrymen. The Red Cross will move fast and be on the ball in mobilizing tents as temporary shelter, delivering food and water for sustenance, deploying ambulances and blood units for lifesaving response, and sending in fully equipped rescue and medical teams and even portalets,” Gordon stressed.
“PRC is an auxiliary to the government. We stand ready to work with DOH, DSWD, DPWH, DND, and all agencies to ensure the welfare of our people,” he added.
