THE Philippine Red Cross – Cavite Chapter conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for its new P60-million facility in Vermosa Complex in Imus City recently.
The three-story headquarters will house a state-of-the-art blood center that could host large blood donation drives and provide a steady supply of blood to hospitals in the province. It is also poised to become a central hub for the chapter's other operations including disaster and emergency response, health services, and community outreach programs.
Okada Foundation Inc. donated P60 million in June for the construction of the building in an 859-square-meter area provided by Ayala Property Management Corp. in its Vermosa property.
"The foundation was happy to know that our donation would be immediately realized," Okada Foundation Inc. President James Lorenzana said.
"We're hoping to see the building rise soon and begin serving our fellow Filipinos," he added.
In his speech during the ceremony, Red Cross Chairman Richard Gordon said that the new headquarters will help enhance the delivery of Red Cross' services in the province.
"This is not just a building, it signifies hope and gives confidence to the people. Help is right here in Cavite. Just call the Red Cross hotline 143 and blood will be delivered," Gordon said.
Meanwhile, Gwendolyn Pang, Red Cross secretary general, said that the new building will bring the organization's services closer to the people.
"We are gradually expanding Red Cross services to Cavite and other regions, so more people can reach us no matter the emergency. Kailangan may visibility tayo. Kailangan malapit tayo. This new building will be a new beginning for us all in Silang," Pang said.
Also present during the ceremony were Red Cross-Cavite Chapter's administrator Adelina Castillo, Cavite Chapter Chairman of the Board Gilbert Cesar Remulla, Ayala Land Inc. Senior Vice President and Head of Estates Group Chris Maglanoc, and Vice President and Senior Project Development Head of Estates Group Mayi Platero Rodriguez, among others.
Officials from cities and municipalities of Cavite, private donors, staff and volunteers were also present during the event.