Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon flew to Austria on Sunday night to chair discussions on the 50th anniversary of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ Fundamental Principles.
During the week-long talks in Vienna, Gordon will push partnerships for a PRC program to aid overseas Filipinos in need via the 189-strong network of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies worldwide.
Gordon will also thank the member societies of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ continuing to support the PRC in its health, welfare, and disaster relief programs for the country.
A member of the IFRC governing board, Gordon will chair discussions on Independence for Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, one of the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
Gordon will also chair discussions on how Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world can work effectively with governments while still maintaining independence and impartiality in assessing and deploying aid resources to the people.
Founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1863, the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement has some 100 million volunteers worldwide who protect the life and dignity of all human beings. The PRC has consistently been cited for its health and relief efforts both here and abroad as one of the most active member-societies in the system.
Because of its independent and respected status in all countries, the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies will act as an additional safety net for Filipinos overseas, under a program to be launched shortly by the PRC, said Gordon.
“We will meet with our counterparts and thresh out final details on the launch of our program for overseas Filipinos in need. We will also convey our gratitude for their untiring support for the PRC, while we also pledge to continue being there for them in their time of need.”