EDITORIAL - Gift to humanity

Among the vehicles torched by the mob that rampaged in Mendiola after storming Malacañang last week was one that bore a familiar emblem – a red cross. That emblem, like the red crescent in Islamic enclaves, has become ubiquitous in areas of conflict, impoverished communities and disaster sites throughout the globe. The humanitarian work of the International Red Cross Movement has achieved such a wide reach that May 8 is regularly observed as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. Today the world salutes volunteers of the 176 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the globe, including the Philippine National Red Cross.

Swiss doctor Jean Henry Dunant founded the International Red Cross Movement in 1863. Upon his initiative, the Geneva Convention founded the Red Cross a year later, with the immediate objective of helping those wounded in war or held as prisoners of war. Even in its infancy the guiding principles of the Red Cross became clear: voluntary service and humanita-rian work, impartiality and neutrality amid warring forces, independence, unity and universality. Its long-term mission was also evident: to ease and help prevent as many forms of human suffering as possible, and promote universal peace and friendship.

For his work Dunant became the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. The founding body of the Red Cross, the International Committee of the Red Cross, won the same prize in 1917, 1944 and 1963. In 1947 the Philippine National Red Cross was created through Republic Act 95. The PNRC became the government’s auxiliary arm in the provision of relief, health care and welfare.

In the 138 years of existence of the Red Cross, this "gift to humanity" has not wavered in the pursuit of its mission. Because it has lived up to its principles, volunteers continue to join the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Supporters give financial help, technical assistance and other forms of contributions including their own blood, confident that their donations are in trustworthy hands.

Since the founding of the Red Cross, much progress has been made in easing human suffering, particularly in the field of health care. But in many countries including the Philippines, millions of people still cry out for relief from sickness, poverty, war, terrorism and disasters. The nation joins the international community today in paying tribute to the Red Cross and Red Crescent, whose volunteers believe that in a world of human suffering, every little bit of help counts.