The Philippine Red Cross announced on Saturday, November 15, 2025, the passing of Governor Rosa Rosal, a beloved Filipina actress and humanitarian, at the age of 97.
"With deepest sadness, the Philippine Red Cross announces the passing of Governor Rosa Rosal," the organization said in its statement published on Facebook.
The post paid tribute to Rosal’s decades of humanitarian service and her invaluable role as a long-standing member of the PRC Board of Governors.
It continued: "For over 7 decades, Gov. Rosal devoted her life to the service of the Red Cross.
"She championed voluntary blood donation across the country, strengthened PRC’s welfare services, and used every platform she had to promote compassion, volunteerism, and the protection of the most vulnerable."
The Philippine Red Cross added, "Gov. Rosal leaves behind a legacy of genuine service, dignity, and love for humanity, a legacy that will continue to guide the Philippine Red Cross and inspire generations of volunteers."
No additional details were immediately available. But the agency noted that details of Rosal’s wake will be released once arrangements have been finalized.
Gwen Pang, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross, also shared a touching tribute to Rosal on Facebook.
Her post read, published as is: "Love you, Tita Rose! [emojis] Philippine Red Cross Governor Rosa Rosal is now woth our Heavenly Father, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service that profoundly shaped the Philippine Red Cross National Blood Services.
"She was an inspiring leader whose tireless advocacy built and strengthened our national blood program, ensuring that every Filipino—especially the poorest and most vulnerable—could access adequate, safe and voluntary blood when they needed it most.
"Her life’s work saved countless lives and inspired generations of volunteer blood donors.
"Her greatest wish was simple yet profound: that no Filipino should ever die because blood was not available.
"She dedicated her life to making that wish a reality. Beyond work and our professional connection, she was also a mother to me.
"I was deeply inspired by her strength, her grace, and her enduring love for people. Her passion and compassion will stay with me forever."
Rosa Rosal was a celebrated Filipina actress and humanitarian.
She rose to fame during the "Golden Age of Philippine cinema," starring in acclaimed films such as Anak Dalita (1956), Badjao (1957), and Biyaya ng Lupa (1959).
Beyond her acting career, she became a symbol of compassion through her lifelong service to the Philippine Red Cross, where she began volunteering in 1950 and later served as a member of its Board of Governors from 1965 onward.
In 1975, Rosal brought her compassion to television as one of the founders and hosts of Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko, a groundbreaking public service program on GMA Network that provided medical and financial assistance to those in need.
She also pioneered nationwide blood donation campaigns, strengthened welfare programs, and championed humanitarian causes for over seven decades.
Her dedication earned her numerous honors, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Order of the Golden Heart, and recognition as Reader’s Digest Asia’s Most Trusted Filipino in 2010.
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