Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon.
📷:Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer file photo
BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Thursday opened its branch in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
Senator Richard Gordon, PRC chairman, said the opening of the PRC branch will enable them to make a difference in more people’s lives.
“We harness the power of humanity to see to it that we are always there when needed,” said Gordon who was the virtual guest speaker at the inauguration and blessing of the PRC Silay City branch.
“It is  important to have a PRC branch in every city to have quick reaction forces when needed,” he added.
Gordon urged young people to join the PRC Youth because it inculcates in them the value of being humanitarian, or being somebody who cares.
“That is something that we in this country do not have too much of right now because everybody has become self-centered. Hardly anybody listens now a days because they are always  looking at their cellphones, at social media,” he said.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugeno Jose Lacson said the opening of the PRC Silay Branch is a step forward towards expanding the Red Cross services in the province.
“The PRC has been essential and vital to our collective goal of saving lives. Now that we are in this unprecedented global health crisis, the importance of the role of the Red Cross has gone more pivotal than ever,” he said.
The PRC Negros Occidental–Bacolod City chapter chairman is Carlos Ganihong, while Negros Occidental Board Member Ryan Gamboa  and  Roberto Montelibano are the  vice chairpersons.
The directors are Arthur Yap, Carlitos Orola, Hans Francis Ferraris and  Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
The Silay Branch Council  is composed of Ruby Velez, chairperson,  Gamboa, vice chairperson, with  Silay Mayor Mark Golez,  Rep. Francisco Benitez, Arnel Malihan, Gina Martin, Henry Belleza, Ma. Delmar Mariposque, Maximo Javelona III, Reena Gamboa, Dr. Vicente Gabales, Michael Gochangco, and Dr. Maritel Ledesma as councilors.