MANDALUYONG CITY -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, continues to respond to affected communities as Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Florita (international name: Ma-on) exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Last Tuesday, August 23, The PRC Cagayan Chapter immediately deployed its ambulance team (5 personnel) and treated 3 patients in Dalla Elementary School, which was designated as the evacuation center. It also set up a Welfare Desk, which provided a child-friendly space to 85 children and psychological first aid to 54 adults to help them manage their stress and trauma during the disaster. Hot meals (chicken adobo with egg) were also served to 139 individuals.

The PRC Rizal Province Chapter also deployed its Humvee with 7 personnel to transport 37 residents from 1K2, Kasiglahan Village, Rodriguez, Rizal to Kasiglahan Elementary School for preemptive evacuation.

“Handa ang Red Cross bago pa man dumating ang Severe Tropical Storm Florita sa ating bansa. Ang pagbibigay serbisyo sa mga naapektuhang komunidad ay isa lamang sa napakaraming serbisyong handang ihatid ng Red Cross sa panahon ng tag-ulan. Makakaasa ang ating mga kababayan na katuwang nila ang Red Cross upang malampasan ang hamon ng bagyong Florita at iba pang kalamidad,” Chairman Gordon said.

As of yesterday, August 25, 116 children participated in a child-friendly space (85 in Cagayan, 31 in La Union). 66 adults received psychological first aid (54 in Cagayan, 12 in La Union). The PRC also distributed 500 medicines in La Union, 1,366 face masks (1,204 in La Union and 158 in Quezon City). 3 individuals in Cagayan were treated and 37 individuals in Rizal were assisted.

In addition, the PRC also conducted hygiene promotions sessions for 197 individuals in La Union. Hot meals were also served to 560 individuals (136 in Cagayan, 263 in La Union, and 158 in Rizal Province).

“Lubos din akong nagpapasalamat sa ating mga volunteers at staff na naka-antabay bago pa man dumating ang Severe Tropical Storm Florita at nagbigay serbisyo sa gitna ng pananalasa ng bagyo ito. Katuwang natin sila sa patuloy na pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad upang malaman ang iba pang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayang naapektuhan ng bagyo.” Chairman Gordon added.

For any emergency assistance, please call the PRC’s Operations Center at 143 or 790-23-00. (Philippine Red Cross)