MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the country’s oldest and largest humanitarian organization, celebrates its 64th Founding Anniversary on Friday. Among the activities are highlights of the past year’s accomplishments and updates of major projects.

The Philippine Red Cross traces its beginnings to February 17, 1899 when the Malolos Republic, through the initiative of Apolinario Mabini approved the Constitution of the National Association of the Red Cross. On August 29, 1900, meetings were held to obtain recognition of the Filipino Red Cross Society and for the application of 1864 Geneva Convention during the Filipino-American War. Five years later, the Philippine Branch of the American National Red Cross (ANRC) was organized and was officially recognized as an ANRC chapter on December 4, 1917.

During the incumbency of President Manuel L. Quezon, he took the initiative to establish an independent PRC, but this only materialized after the country gained independence. In 1942, during the Japanese occupation, a PRC was created and upon the liberation of Manila in 1945, local Red Cross officials and the ANRC undertook the reconstitution of the organization. The Philippine Red Cross Charter (Republic Act 95) was signed by President Manuel A. Roxas on March 22, 1947, and Philippine Red Cross was recognized by the IRCRC on March 29, 1947, and inaugurated on April 15, 1947 in colorful ceremonies at the Malacañang Palace.

A member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the PRC is dedicated to providing quality life-saving services that protect the life and safeguard the dignity of the Filipinos. Inspired by its motto “Always First, Always Ready, and Always There,” the PRC exhibits the passion and commitment of Henry Dunant, the father of the Red Cross Movement, as the PRC staff and volunteers help countless individuals in times of disasters and other emergencies.

We congratulate the Philippine Red Cross led by its National Chairman Senator Richard J. Gordon and Secretary General Gwendolyn T. Pang, other Directors, Staff, and Volunteers, on the occasion of their 64th Founding Anniversary. We wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors.