IN a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony last February 12, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) laid our their plans to improve the lives of urban poor communities through first aid training, food and nutrition programs, health services, and livelihood assistance.

“We are partnering with institutions and agencies to prepare our communities for crises and disasters. Urban poor communities are more exposed to high risks and hazards than others due to their lack of access to basic services.The partnership between the PRC and the PCUP is one excellent way to be prepared,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon said.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang signed the MOA with PCUP Chairman and CEO Usec. Elpidio Jordan Jr. at Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City.

Under the agreement, the PRC and PCUP will jointly train urban poor communities through the following initiatives to establish sustainability and strengthen their resilience during emergencies: Emergency First Aid Training, Basic Psychological First Aid training, bloodletting activities, livelihood training, and establishment of community gardens.

Dr. Gwen Pang, in her speech, emphasized the importance of including the urban poor communities in the solution and development plans, adding that placing safety and health in their hands is one way to empower them. She also stressed the importance of not only providing families with livelihood skills but also equipping them with financial literacy skills to ensure the sustainability of their livelihoods.

PRC Safety Services Manager, Jaylord Abrigado, PRC Welfare Services Acting Manager, JLo Morigo, PCUP Executive Assistant, Ms. Evita Pearl Jamon, and PCUP Chief Administrative Officer, Atty. Ralph Anthony Cortez were also present at the ceremony.

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