Seal of the Philippine Red Cross
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Abbreviation | PRC |
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Motto | Always First. Always Ready. Always There. |
Formation | December 4, 1917 (as chapter) April 15, 1947 |
Type | Non-governmental organization |
Purpose | Humanitarian |
Headquarters | Mandaluyong, Philippines |
Location |
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Region served
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Philippines |
Membership
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International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement |
Official language
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Filipino and English |
Chairman of the Board of Governors
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Richard J. Gordon |
Atty. Oscar P. Palabyab | |
Website | www |
The Philippine Red Cross (abbreviated as PRC) is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The PRC was established in 1947, with roots in the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire. It was initially involved only in the provision of blood and short-term palliatives as well as participation in disaster-related activities but they now focus on a wider array of humanitarian services.
At present, the PRC provides six major services: National Blood Services, Disaster Management Services, Safety Services, Health Services, Welfare Services and Red Cross Youth. All of them embody the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. These values guide and inspire all Red Cross staff and volunteers, to whom being a Red Crosser is more than just a philosophy but a way of life.
Apolinario Mabini encouraged the Malolos Republic to form a national Red Cross organization. On February 17, 1899, the Malolos Republic approved the Constitution of the National Association of the Red Cross. The government appointed Hilaria del Rosario de Aguinaldo – the consort of President Emilio Aguinaldo – as the first head of the Association.
Filipino diplomat Felipe Agoncillo, met with Gustave Moynier, an original member of the Committee of Five and ICRC President on 29 August 1900. He sought recognition of the Filipino Red Cross Society as well as the application of the First Geneva Convention during the Philippine–American War.