Volunteer Capital of the Philippines raises P1M for Isabela Red Cross
When Isabeleños see red, they take to the streets to engage in activities that promote physical development in order to raise precious funds for their favorite charity – the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
True to form, the province of Isabela, touted as the volunteer capital of the Philippines, raised a total of P1,008,750.00 through the Family Fun Run and the Padyak Isabeleño Fun Bike, two of the highlights in a series of major activities leading to the 158th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Isabela.
Provincial Administrator and PRC Isabela Chapter BOD Chair Noel Manuel Lopez turned over the check representing the proceeds to PRC Chapter Administrator Antonita Asis in simple rites held recently at the Isabela Provincial Capitol.
Asis vowed to use the funds judiciously in the implementation of the chapter’s six major services which include blood services, disaster management services, safety services, health services, social services, Red Cross youth and volunteer services. “Napakalaking bagay po itong naitulong sa amin ng probinsya ng Isabela. Maipagpapatuloy na namin ang lahat ng programang kailangan naming gawin,”she said.
She also expressed the urgency of upgrading the Red Cross’ Blood Service Center and renew its blood bank’s license to operate, and the need to continue conducting disaster management trainings for students and volunteers.
Over eight thousand men, women and children trooped to the Isabela Police Provincial Office where the event’s opening salvo was held. A mix of local officials led by Gov. Faustino Dy III and Provincial Administrator Noel Manuel Lopez, government employees, young professionals, police officers, students, private individuals, health buffs and even children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities flooded Ilagan City’s major thoroughfare and negotiated the 2 kilometer stretch leading to the Isabela Provincial Capitol for the awarding of special prizes.
Allan Galam bagged first prize in the men’s category while Maricar Gammad was declared champion in the women’s category.
Meanwhile, a total of two hundred eighteen bikers competed in the Padyak Isabeleño Fun Bike which drew biking enthusiasts from as far as Nueva Vizcaya. First prize winner Dennis Pelerio hails from this province known for its steep mountains and perilous ravines.
Born in 1947, the Philippine Red Cross is the premier humanitarian organization in the country committed to provide quality life-saving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations.
In the 2013 Bayani Challenge, the biggest volunteer movement in the country’s history, the province of Isabela posted the highest number of enlisted volunteers at 11,500 of the over 80,000 who participated in the event, thus, affirming her distinction as the volunteer capital of the Philippines.
