The Philippine Red Cross reaffirmed its partnership with the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) as PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon addressed participants at the 61st PAMET Annual Convention held at the Manila Hotel.
The long-standing collaboration between PRC and PAMET underscores a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and expanding access to life-saving services across the country.
As the leading provider of safe and quality blood units in the Philippines, the PRC has worked hand in hand with PAMET for many years. This partnership has paved the way for joint health advocacies—including the promotion of voluntary blood donation and supporting continuous professional development for medical technologists nationwide.
Gordon highlighted the indispensable role of medical technologists in the country’s health security.
“Many of the greatest advances in our fight against disease would not have been possible without medical technologists.”
“Many of the greatest advances in our fight against disease would not have been possible without medical technologists,” the PRC Chief emphasized, noting that the number of MedTechs actively serving in laboratories at any given time is significantly lower than the over 137,000 registered professionals on paper.
“This affects our ability to respond to outbreaks, conduct mass testing, strengthen surveillance, and ensure healthcare access across all regions—especially in far-flung areas. This is why investing in our MedTech workforce is investing in national security,” he explained.
“Today, the PRC employs 317 medical technologists and continues to expand its blood facilities.”
“Today, the PRC employs 317 medical technologists and continues to expand its blood facilities. We will bring you blood anywhere in the Philippines—nasa Batanes ka man o Sulu. Through the years, our medical technologists have been central to our mission, responding swiftly to emergencies and working twice as hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, up until now in supporting our 32 blood facilities in the country,” Gordon stressed.
He also emphasized the critical work of medical technologists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When the country faced insufficient testing capacity and many laboratories were forced to shut down, the PRC stepped in, establishing 14 molecular laboratories, the largest network outside the national government. Nearly 400 medical technologists were employed at the height of operations, ensuring round-the-clock testing that saved countless lives,” Gordon explained.
Beyond the pandemic, PRC continues to open employment doors for medical technologists through its expanding network of blood service facilities, humanitarian laboratories, and the upcoming Philippine Red Cross Hospital, which aim to offer affordable and accessible services for Filipino families.
“The PRC is honored to take part in PAMET’s 61st Annual Convention, a meaningful gathering that continues to strengthen the medical technology profession, advance healthcare initiatives, and reinforce our shared commitment to delivering reliable humanitarian and medical services to Filipino communities,” he concluded.
