Philippine Red Cross helps energize disaster-hit communities

MANILA, Philippines – Two years after the devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Yolanda, more than 66,000 houses have been built through the help of the Philippine Red Cross, as it continues efforts to aid in the recovery and renewal in nine provinces and countless municipalities affected by the calamity.

While the Philippine Red Cross embarked on massive rescue, rehabilitation and renewal operations that have been one of the most successful worldwide as attested by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC), it said the Yolanda experience is not just about providing shelter, medical assistance and other basic services.

With the assistance of French NGO Electricians Without Borders, the Philippine Red Cross provided energy through a 33-kilowatt photovoltaic solar power plant that allows households to access electricity at half the cost of traditional sources and powers several establishments including day care centers, barangay health stations and livelihood centers. 

“The Yolanda experience has transformed the Philippine Red Cross into a full service Red Cross. No longer is the Philippine Red Cross just a provider of first aid and assistance in the midst of natural calamities and disasters; it has become a partner in providing basic services and continuing assistance in giving back not only what the people have lost but more importantly helping them get back their lives and dignity,” Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon said.