New ambulance for Aklan Red Cross
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has distributed a rescue ambulance to its local chapter here to respond effectively and efficiently during disasters and other emergencies.

The rescue ambulance is equipped with facilities for medical response operations manned by PNRC medics in the province. The distribution of ambulance last week was attended by Dr. Lydia Lobregat Padernal, Aklan PNRC vice chairman Ambrosio Villorente and Aklan PNRC administrator Arcely Pelayo.

PNRC Aklan chapter chairman Ronquillo Tolentino said the rescue ambulance allows the Red Cross volunteers to respond quickly during calamities and disasters. The ambulance was co-acquired by Aklan Red Cross and the PNRC through its chairman Senator Richard Gordon.

"We now have an ambulance for rescue and emergency which we could send to disaster-related incidents. The vehicle will also provide much needed emergency care to communities in Aklan," said Tolentino, the former vice governor of Aklan.

For the past years, Aklan Red Cross has organized housing projects for typhoon victims, assisted in reducing risks through its community disaster risk reduction programs, provided relief assistance to some 8,500 families and blood letting activities with government disaster agencies in the province.

In June 2008, Aklan was hit with one of its worst disasters when typhoon Frank caused massive flooding and the destruction of homes, agricultural crops and infrastructures.

In response to typhoon struck areas in the province, Gordon turned over more than 600 shelters last year and has launched the emergency response vehicles, rescue boats and vans, motorcycles and fire trucks of PNRC to enhance the rescue and response capabilities nationwide.

Aklan Red Cross is part of the largest voluntary organisation in the world, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which has 100 million volunteers in 187 countries.