By Pearl Gumapos
Philippine Red Cross has initiated efforts to boost pandemic response in Cebu, said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sen. Richard Gordon.
“Dadami pa ‘yang [bakuna centers] as we speak. Sa Cebu, nagbabakuna na rin kami doon. Nagbigay pa tayo ng body bags kasi medyo marami namamatay doon. We gave 300 pieces of body bags. Nakakapagbigay din tayo ng J&J doses para sa mga senior citizens and sa mga may comorbidities,” Gordon said in a Laging Handa public briefing on Thursday (Aug. 12).
Gordon also said that tents have been opened in Cebu with one huge tent being able to house a hundred people.
“Meron tayong pito na mobile vaccination buses. Meron tayong dalawa sa Cebu. Dadagdagan ko pa ng tatlo doon. At kumakalat tayo ng food truck para ‘yung mga nagugutom ay pipila lang doon at bibigyan ng pagkain na mainit,” he said.
Aside from vaccination buses and food trucks, the PRC has also prepared a one week supply of food for those who have been confined as well as their families.
“Buong Pilipinas, ang Red Cross ay nagte-test. Tuloy-tuloy ang pagpadala ng tent. We have about 60 tents nationwide. Tuloy-tuloy ang ating tulong. This week, magtatayo tayo ng bahay doon sa Typhoon Rolly, doon sa Legaspi, 175 houses will be built,” Gordon said.
“Nakapagbigay na rin tayo ng pera sa buong kabuluhan ng almost P190 million lalo na sa Metro Manila, sa Quezon, sa Bicol, at sa Cagayan at Isabela. We’re happy that we can help. And we’re trying to do more for our people. Dapat magsama-sama tayo sa mga problema na nagaganap sa ating bansa,” he added.
Meanwhile, Gordon said the Department of Labor and Employment has asked if the Modern vaccines given by the government may be used for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and seamen.
“Ang nababakunahan ngayon, naki-usap sa akin ang DOLE, na ‘yung Moderna na binigay sa atin ng gobyerno ay gagamitin talaga ‘yon sa mga OFWs at mga seamen para makapasok sila.” Gordon said. -rir
