MANILA –The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will mobilize its 103 chapter staff and volunteers nationwide to ensure public safety and attend to medical needs in line with its Oplan Kaluluwa 2017 as many Filipinos travel to their home provinces and flock to cemeteries for All Saints Day.
“Staff and volunteers of the PRC will be working this holiday season starting Oct. 31 to assist those who are going home to their provinces for Undas and those who will visit the graves of their departed loved ones in cemeteries,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said in a statement.
As of Oct. 30, more than 1,300 first aiders, including foot patrollers (almost 300 in the National Capital Region), will be mobilized in some 170 cemeteries nationwide, while more than 150 first aid stations (40 in NCR) have been set up to attend to the sick and injured.
PRC volunteers and staff will also be mobilized in different operations through its 80 ambulance service (13 in NCR), welfare desks, in major roads and highways, bus stations, major seaports, airports and gasoline stations nationwide.
“For any untoward incident, you may report to our hotline 143. Red Cross 143 is the flagship program of the PRC where there is one leader and a minimum number of 43 members in every barangay, which will serve as the eyes, ears, hands, and feet in times of disasters and emergencies,” Gordon said.
Thousands of motorists who will be traveling during the holiday season should remember the following to prevent road accidents: Be licensed and trained for the vehicle you drive; use a seatbelt; wear a helmet on a motorcycle; drive at a safe speed and distance suitable for the conditions; do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs; do not use a mobile phone while driving; know and respect the highway code; maintain vehicle in good condition; be visible as a pedestrian or a cyclist; know how to react in case of a crash; and remember BLOW BAGETS (Brakes, Lights, Oil, Water, Batteries, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires, Self).
PRC also advised the public to wear light-colored clothing, bring water, avoid consuming alcoholic drinks, and avoid bringing unnecessary sharp objects. Parents with small children are likewise advised not to bring them to crowded places as they might get lost. However, parents must also provide their children identification cards.
In case of emergency assistance regarding PRC’s Oplan Undas 2017 activities, people can contact PRC Hotline: 143, or Operations Center: 790-2300 loc. 199-204 or 0917-806-8513. They can also check updates at the PRC website www.redcross.org.ph and social media accounts: @philredcross for Twitter and Facebook. (PRC)
