PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon signed an agreement with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and the Cebu Provincial Government, allocating P2 million to the Blood Samaritan Fund, ensuring indigent patients across Cebu have access to free blood that can be delivered to hospitals when needed.
An additional P1.212 million was dedicated to registering 1,010 PDRRMO and local DRRMO responders for the Safe Card program, giving them access to blood support, ambulance services, and accident insurance during responses.
Gordon, who initiated the Blood Samaritan Program to address recurring shortages of blood for indigent patients emphasized its value.
“When you’re in the hospital, nahihirapan ka na, hindi ka na sasabihan ng hospital na maghanap ng dugo because blood will be there.”
“Cebu will become one of the first provinces—if not the first province in the country—that Red Cross will supply blood regularly to level 1 and level 2 hospitals. Which means when you’re in the hospital, nahihirapan ka na, hindi ka na sasabihan ng hospital na maghanap ng dugo because blood will be there,” the PRC chief explained.
He also highlighted the importance of the Red Cross Safe Card which guarantees members one free unit of blood, a free ambulance service, and accident insurance coverage for only P1,200 a year, or about P100 a month.
“As a mother and now governor of Cebu, I know the worry that comes when a loved one is sick or in danger,” Baricuatro said.
“When we improve healthcare, we are not only treating sickness, we are giving families peace of mind.”
“That is why healthcare and humanitarian service are really close to my heart. When we improve healthcare, we are not only treating sickness, we are giving families peace of mind; we are giving children the chance to grow healthy; and we are giving communities hope for the future,” the lady governor explained.
The ceremonial signing was witnessed by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, PRC Governor Regan King, Director Stanley Caminero, PDRRMO Head Dennis Pastor, and PRC Cebu Chapter Administrator Maria Vera De Jesus.
