Natural calamities in the Philippines surged 50% last year, making our country the world's most disaster-hit country in 2011.
According to the Citizens' Disaster Response Center (CDRC), at least 15.3 million people were displaced, causing agriculture and infrastructure damages that cost 26 billion pesos after the onslaught of typhoons Sendong and Pedring.
To address the problem, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) launched "Red Cross 143"– a proactive measure engaging 44 volunteers: one leader and 43 members in every community.
The volunteers receive training to reduce disaster risk by responding effectively such crisis situations.
To awaken people's volunteer spirit, the PRC is completing its extensive network of one million volunteers in order to deliver its services effectively and successfully through the 2012 Million Volunteer Run, to be held on Saturday, 17 November, in more than 80 cities nationwide.
At the Volunteer Run's launching, chairman Richard Gordon said, "Sinusubukan natin ang million run, naku, [may mga nagsabi], 'Walang mangyayari diyan!'
He argues, "We broke the record. Four hundred fifty thousand people ran last year.... But we are not after record. That's just extra."
The Red Cross needs first aiders, blood donors, and health and welfare volunteers in every home, school, workplace, and community in every corner of the Philippines.
Chairman Gordon asks, "Can you run for humanity?"
For details,call 527-0000 local 114 or email run@redcross.org.ph.
