PHILIPPINE Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gordon visited Dagupan last week for the ceremonial turn-over of transitional shelters for typhoon “Pepeng” victims and water sanitation (Watsan) projects in schools.

With Gordon was Selvaratnam Sinnadurai, representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which provided funding for a complementary livelihood assistance program.

“While PRC helped the affected families, they should also help themselves. Thus, we involved them in the transitional shelter and water sanitation project so that they will appreciate their new homes better as these are products of their hand,” said Gordon.

The transitional shelters benefitted 29 families whose homes were destroyed by “Pepeng” in October 2009.

Each family also received kitchen sets and sanitation kits.

“We are truly grateful for the gift of love and for your presence today,” said Mayor Benjamin Lim.

Meanwhile, Dr. Alma Ruby Torio, schools division superintendent, acknowledged the latrines and hand pumps earlier donated by PRC for the Judge Jose De Venecia Memorial National High School, Casibung Elementary School and Tocok Elementary School.

“We have built our water sanitation projects in these schools because our schools are often used as evacuation center during calamities. At the same time, we are also concerned about the water and sanitation of the school,” said Florame Magalong, administrator of PRC Pangasinan-Dagupan City-San Carlos City Chapter.

The PRC, established 60 years ago, has expanded its services from providing blood and assistance during calamities to a more holistic approach in helping humanitarian services. (CIO)

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