“We will remain committed to humanity!”
Those were the words of Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Senator Dick Gordon as he gave his speech during the inauguration of the PRC’s 100th Blood Center Facility in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, last April 7, 2022. The event was also attended by Pangasinan 3rd District Congresswoman Rose Marie “Baby” Arenas, whom Sen. Gordon praised as the hardworking and beautiful Deputy Speaker of the House, San Carlos City Mayor Julier Resuello, and Vice Mayor Joseres Resuello.
Senator Gordon mentioned the bitter coincidence of history that he and the present San Carlos City Mayor share for not just becoming city mayors, but also because both of them lost their fathers to assassins. James Gordon Sr. and Julian Resuello, were both mayors of Olongapo City and San Carlos respectively, and both were gunned down in their prime while still in office. In time, through the good governance record of both sons, the ultimate sacrifices of their fathers were vindicated and live on in the memories of the people they served.
Senator Gordon congratulated the people of San Carlos for becoming part of the PRC ISO certified Blood Program. By building this 100th blood bank, PRC and the city became partners in ensuring blood availability that will save many lives. There are plans in the making for PRC to build another 15 blood banks in other provinces so that there will be at least 115 total before the end of this year. “Building more blood banks to provide an ample supply of blood to everyone in need is our constant goal, because a timely blood transfusion is often the factor that saves a person’s life,” Senator Gordon clarified.
Though PRC is the foremost organization in serving humanity, especially during calamities or disasters, it is also the main blood donor of the whole country, providing 51% of the needs of a 112 million plus population. Though blood donation is voluntary and entails much effort and coordination, PRC meets its goals with the help of its 2 million volunteers spread out nationwide using modern and sophisticated systems. “The power of volunteerism cannot be overemphasized, without which, instead of having a Good Samaritan outlook, we might develop a mercenary approach to blood donation, something I would never want to happen to our country,” Senator Gordon avowed.
He also stated, “Today I pray for Pangasinan, but the cause of humanitarianism extends beyond our cities. Through strategic planning and fiscal management, PRC today constantly fulfils its advocacy to uplift human dignity and be of assistance to the most vulnerable far-and-wide. Just one example of this is the $50,000 dollars we donated last month to Ukraine. Plus to the Polish Red Cross who opened their borders to tens of thousands of refugees fleeing the Ukraine. And we are not just a blood bank; we have built 151,000 homes all around this country, 2,698 of them done here in Pangasinan.”
“I could go on and on about our accomplishments because there is not one place in this country where PRC hasn’t done anything. Our commitment to humanity is to enable and to ennoble our fellowmen by allowing them to empower themselves with dignity. This is the fulfilment of dreams and the best legacy we can give our children and grandchildren.”
Dick Gordon doesn’t need a title because leadership is not about position, it is about action and he has always been a man of action, always at the forefront in saving lives or achieving extraordinary goals with talent, skills, and commitment to success. This is what being a leader should be and he definitely has what it takes.
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