Red Cross 143 is a community-based volunteering program of the Philippine Red Cross where one leader and a minimum of forty three (43) members form part of an active corps of capable, caring, and committed individuals. RC 143 promotes a culture of self-help in the communities by developing a formidable network of Red Cross volunteers who will predict potential risk, plan, prepare, and practice for effective community based disaster risk reduction.

To become a PRC volunteer, you need to fill out the online application form through redcross.ph/volunteer. You may also personally go to NHQ or at our local chapter nearest you to complete the profile form.

After filling out of the application form online, wait for an invitation to be sent in your email address and know your schedule of orientation. You will be required to attend the Basic Volunteer Orientation Course (BVOC). Other requirements include:

a. PRC membership known as Membership with Accident Assistance Benefit (MAAB)

b. Photocopy of two valid IDs

c. Copy of Resume

d. 2x2 ID picture

Certificates are given to volunteers who have passed regular Red Cross trainings (e.g. first aid). A Certificate of Volunteering can also be issued upon request and based on performance and attendance. We are requiring minimum of 300 hours of volunteering rendered to acquire certificate of volunteerism.

We have youth programs involving school-based Red Cross Youth volunteers in elementary, high school and college and young professionals in the community. We do not have a maximum age limit in place. As long as you are physically and mentally healthy, and willing to serve, you are welcome.

Time commitment depends on your availability or the requirements of Red Cross services of your interest. Most of our volunteers at the Chapter level work on a regular basis weekly or monthly. Further information will be discussed during the orientation.

E-mail us at volunteer@redcross.org.ph at least a month before your target date of arrival so we can prepare a program for you. Also include your interest, your budget for your stay, curriculum vitae and flight itinerary.

If you are a Red Cross volunteer in your own country, we require you to have an endorsement or certification from your local Red Cross chapter or branch.

As far as PRC is concern we advice you to have such. Consult your travel physician before coming here. Please check www.who.int.

No. We don't give allowances as it will defeat the spirit of volunteerism.

Yes. Philippines is generally peaceful and considered as one of the friendliest countries to visit. However, there are isolated cases of violent incidents in some parts of the country. We do not advise, allow and deploy international volunteers to these areas. You have to be responsible for your whereabouts.

Yes. Please contact the Human Resource Department at (02) 527-6219.

1899, February 17

Through the initiative of Apolinario Mabini, the Malolos Republic approved the Constitution of the National Association of the Red Cross. Mrs. Hilaria del Rosario de Aguinaldo was appointed President of the Association.

1900, August 29

Felipe AgoncilloInternational Delegate of Diplomacy, met with Gustave Moynier, an original member of the Committee of Five and ICRC President, for the recognition of the Filipino Red Cross Society and application of the 1864 Geneva Convention during, the Filipino-American war.

1905, August 30

The Philippine Branch of the American National Red Cross (ANRC) was organized by Filipino and American leaders at the Ayuntamiento.

1917, December 4

The Philippine Branch was officiary recognized as a Chapter of the ANRC.

1934

President Manuel L. Quezon took the initiative to establish an independent Philippine Red Cross. Not until the Philippines became independent did this materialize because the Commonwealth cannot sign the Geneva Conventions.

1942

A Japanese-controlled Philippine Red Cross was created to take care of internment camps located in the country.

1945

Upon the liberation of Manila, local Red Cross officials and the ANRC undertook to reconstitute the organization.

1946, December 1

Thirty-six Red Cross chapters were initially set up in the country. The first Filipino Red Cross Manager, Dr. J. Horacio Yanzon, was appointed.

1947, February 14

President Manuel A. Roxas signed the Treaty of Geneva and the Prisoners of War Convention.

March 22

President Roxas signed the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Charter, Republic Act 95.

March 29

Mrs. Aurora Aragon Quezon, the first PRC Chairman, received a cable from Geneva indicating that the ICRC approved to recognize the PRC.

April 15

A humanitarian organization that serves as an arm of help during disasters and emergencies was established. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) was inaugurated in colorful ceremonies at the Malacañang Palace.

Sept. 17

The PRC was admitted as a bonafide member of the League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (now known as the Federation).

1981, July 31

Blessing and inauguration of the Philippine National Red Cross Headquarters at Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila.

1992

The year 1992 was a busy one for the PNRC. Around this time, PNRC had already made its mark not only in Blood Services, but also in Disaster Responses.

June 12

The PNRC chapters in Tarlac and Zambales had their hands full, and evacuation centers eventually became overcrowded that makeshift shelters had to be set up. To help ease the plight of the evacuees, then Olongapo City Mayor Richard Gordon came to offer assistance in San Marcelino, Zambales. He mobilized a fleet of trucks and jeepneys that transported a large number of evacuees from San Marcelino to Olongapo City.

1995

The PNRC Training Center in Tagaytay, which was funded by the Danish Red Cross, was inaugurated.

1996

The new Vision-Mission of the PNRC was set towards becoming the premier humanitarian organization in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

1997, April 15

The PRC celebrated its 50th Anniversary.

2003, September 2

The new PNRC hotline, #527-0000, was established to immediately respond to emergencies.

2004

January 15 – Richard Gordon was elected by his peers as Chairman of the PNRC.

February 26 – After hearing of the Super Ferry tragedy (piers 14 and 15), PNRC Chairman Richard Gordon sent staff and volunteers, who provided first aid and transported the injured to various hospitals. The PNRC also set up a welfare desk to help trace missing persons and provided psychological support to 515 survivors.

December 23 to 31 – Chairman Gordon led rescue and relief efforts in Aurora and Quezon province for Typhoon Ruby, spending Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve with the victims of the tragedy.

2006

February 4 – Chairman Gordon was first on the ground to instill order in the chaotic rescue effort and recovery of bodies at the ULTRA Stampede during the Wowowee anniversary show.

October 7 – PNRC was the first to initiate relief and rehabilitation efforts for the 8,000 families affected by Typhoon Milenyo in the Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions, especially in Sorsogon, which received scant attention as the media focused on billboard incidents in Metro Manila.

Project 143 (I Love You Red Cross) was established to saturate the country with volunteers who will be trained to know what to do in times of disasters. Said volunteers, the backbone of the PNRC, would act as the “eyes and ears” of the organization in times of disasters.

2007

The PNRC Operations Center (OpCen) launched its Power Text Messaging System, a nationwide texting system for easier, dependable, purposeful emergency alert messages to and from local chapters and other key personnel and volunteers.

2008

In February, the PNRC officially turned over newly constructed facilities such as barangay halls, health centers, and public schools to the Municipality of St. Bernard, Southern Leyte. The project was established in coordination with the Japanese Red Cross Society.

2009

The consolidation of the Senate Bill 3285 and House Bill 6509 was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and is now known as Republic Act No. 10072 or The Philippine Red Cross Act of 2009.

The said act is basically an affirmation of the country's "conformity with the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols, and the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement," as well as a confirmation of Philippine Red Cross' stand as a "voluntary, independent and autonomous nongovernmental society auxiliary to the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in the humanitarian field."

2010

Republic Act 10072 or “The Philippine Red Cross Act of 2009,” authored by Senator and PNRC Chairman Gordon, was signed into law by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, officially changing the name of the organization from PNRC to Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

2011

The nationwide Red Cross Million Volunteer Run was held, in celebration of the UN Declaration of the year 2011 as International Year of Volunteers, and December 5 as International Day of Volunteers.

2013

The PRC leadership called for an emergency meeting with Movement Partners to discuss actions to be taken to address the needs of the vulnerable population affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

PRC mobilized its staff and volunteers to dispatch cadaver bags to assist the government in the retrieval and management of the dead. A refrigerated van was also deployed to store bodies waiting for proper identification.

2014

To solve access problems encountered in delivering relief to affected areas of Typhoon Yolanda, PRC and delegates from Partner National Societies and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) agreed to purchase a 195-foot military prototype vessel that can dock even on the shallowest water. Said vessel would be used to aid the movement in its humanitarian efforts in the Philippines and Asia Pacific.

August 5, 2015

PRC Chairman Gordon led the inauguration of the Philippine Red Cross Tower. The PRC's new building stands as a symbol of the PRC’s growth through the years and a mark of its strong commitment to humanitarian service.

2017

As of March 24, 77,066 shelters have already been built for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Five hundred fourteen classrooms and 85 health facilities have also been rehabilitated and reconstructed.

May 9

On its 70th Anniversary, the PRC welcomes the country’s first ever humanitarian ship, the M/V PRC Amazing Grace. PRC launched its humanitarian vessel at the Philippine Navy National Headquarters, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, with the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, as the guest of honor.

June 6

The Philippine Red Cross, through the effort of its staff and volunteers has incessantly stepped up its humanitarian efforts for the affected people since the conflict started in Marawi.

PRC National Headquarters is located at 37 EDSA corner Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City. You may call the Volunteer Service at (02)790 2300 local 945. We can also refer you to our Chapters nearest you.

No. The PRC does not send volunteers to work overseas

The Birth of an Idea

The Red Cross idea was born in 1859, when Jean Henry Dunant, a young Swiss businessman, came upon the scene of a bloody battle in Solferino, Italy, between the armies of imperial Austria and the Franco-Sardinian alliance. Some 40,000 men lay dead or dying on the battlefield and the wounded were lacking medical attention.

Dunant organized local people to bind the soldiers' wounds and to feed and comfort them. On his return, he called for the creation of national relief societies to assist those wounded in war, and pointed the way to the future Geneva Conventions.

"Would there not be some means, during a period of peace and calm, of forming relief societies whose object would be to have the wounded cared for in time of war by enthusiastic, devoted volunteers, fully qualified for the task?" he wrote.

The Red Cross was born in 1863 when five Geneva men, including Dunant, set up the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded, later to become the International Committee of the Red Cross. Its emblem was a red cross on a white background: the inverse of the Swiss flag. The following year, 12 governments adopted the first Geneva Convention; a milestone in the history of humanity, offering care for the wounded, and defining medical services as "neutral" on the battlefield.

Jean Henry Dunant - the destiny of the Red Cross

Jean-Henry Dunant was born on 8 May 1828 in Geneva to a middle-class Calvinist family. His early initiatives included participating in the creation of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in 1852 and the World Alliance of YMCAs in 1855.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (www.ifrc.org)

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world's largest humanitarian network. The Movement is neutral and impartial, and provides protection and assistance to people affected by disasters and conflicts.

The Movement is made up of nearly 100 million members, volunteers and supporters in 190 National Societies. It has three main components:

- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (IFRC)

- 190 member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

As partners, the different members of the Movement support communities in becoming stronger and safer through a variety of development projects and humanitarian activities. The Movement also works in cooperation with governments, donors and other aid organizations to assist vulnerable people around the world.

The ICRC, the Federation and the National Societies are independent bodies. Each has its own individual status and exercises no authority over the others.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) (www.icrc.org)

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an imprtial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusive humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance.

During situations of armed conflict, the ICRC is responsible for directing and coordinating the Movement's international relief activities. It also promotes the importance of international humanitarian law and draws attention to universal humanitarian principles.

As the custodian of the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC has a permanent mandate under international law to visit prisons, organize relief operations, reunite separated families and undertake other humanitarian activities during armed conflicts.

The ICRC also works to meet the needs of internally displaced persons, raise public awareness of the dangers of mines and explosive remnants of war and trace people who have gone missing during conflicts.

The ICRC in the Philippines

The ICRC established a permanent presence in the Philippines in 1982, although the organization had been active in the country since 1959. The ICRC delegation in Manila currently focuses its humanitarian response on isolated areas of the country suffering from the often chronic consequences of long-running armed conflicts.

Throughout decades of internal armed conflict in the Philippines, the ICRC has visited detainees across the country, particularly those individuals held in relation to armed conflicts. The organization monitors the conditions of detention and treatment of detainees. Today, the ICRC's delegation is based in Makati City with subdelegations covering Mindanao and Luzon/ Visayas regions.

Read more about the work of the ICRC in the Philippines at www.icrc.org/ph