(Photo courtesy of PIA)
MANILA – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Department of Education (DepEd) are strengthening their partnership to improve disaster preparedness in schools and encourage volunteerism among Filipino students.
The collaboration aims to equip young people with essential emergency response skills amid growing concerns over natural disasters and the potential effects of El Niño.
Under the initiative, Red Cross Youth (RCY) clubs will be expanded in schools, providing students with training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and disaster risk reduction and management.
The program will also promote mental health awareness, peer support, and leadership development to help students become more resilient and socially responsible.
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon emphasized that the partnership seeks to create safer learning environments while encouraging students to support one another, particularly in addressing mental health concerns.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara, meanwhile, stressed the importance of developing well-rounded students who value preparedness, compassion, and humanitarian service.
Angara said fostering human connections remains essential, especially as artificial intelligence increasingly influences everyday life.
PRC Secretary-General Gwendolyn Pang also highlighted the role of Red Cross Youth clubs in providing students with opportunities to serve their communities while developing practical life-saving skills.
Through the strengthened partnership, the PRC and DepEd aim to build disaster-resilient schools and develop a new generation of responsible, compassionate, and emergency-ready volunteers.
