Phl Red Cross launches country’s first humanitarian vessel

MANILA, Philippines -  Expressing belief that it would be a great help in saving the lives of many Filipinos especially in times of disaster, President Rodrigo Duterte recently led the launch of the country’s first and only humanitarian vessel named M/V PRC Amazing Grace.

The ship, which can be used as an ambulance and a disaster response vessel, will help ensure the immediate delivery of life-saving services and goods to those affected population anywhere around the country during disasters or calamites in a most efficient manner in the fastest possible time.

Philippine Red Cross chairman and CEO Sen. Richard Gordon, introduced by President Duterte as “the next president of the Philippines in the next few years”, joined other Board of Governors of the Red Cross in launching and commissioning the vessel.

Capable of operating as both cargo-loaded barge that can haul itself onto shore and a twin-hulled vessel that cuts through rough seas, the ship has a main deck that can be lowered to offload equipment and can land even in shallow shores (with as low as four feet of water). Furthermore, it has a space that can hold up to 120 passengers, 20 vehicles and a 35-ton overall freight capacity.

Dr. James Dy, PRC governor and national treasurer; president of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc.; and owner and operator of Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, said he believes that the strong determination and leadership of Sen. Gordon is key for the Philippine Red Cross to fulfill its goal of uplifting the lives of the Filipinos.

The occasion also gave credit and recognition to sponsors who gave huge donations to cover expenses of M/V PRC Amazing Grace. These sponsors include prominent businessmen Manuel Pangilinan, Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Basilio Yap, Edgar Injap Sia, Carlos Chan, Dominic Sytin, Robert Coyuito, Jefferson Cheng, Ramon Ang, Chito Sobrepena, Dennis Uy, and Dr. Lucio Tan.

The event also coincided with the oath-taking of the three new Board of Governors of the Philippine Red Cross appointed by President Duterte, namely: Eduardo Bangayan, Edgar Sibuyan and lawyer James Lao.

Representing the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc. were chairman Benito Goyokpin, chairman emeritus Florante Dy, vice chairmen Antonio Tan and Jose Castaneda, directors Dr. William Lee, Robert Yang (special assistant to the president), Peter Ngo, Antonio Dino, Ricky Ty, Mariano Ko, Edmund Santos, and Chinese General Hospital consultant Tessie Roque.

Also present among the Philippine Red Cross roster of Board of Governors were Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Corazon Alma de Leon, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, Atty. Rodolfo Reyes, Monica Siguion Reyna-Villongco, Jose Ramon Aliling, MTRCB chairwoman Rachel Arenas, Armand Arreza, Atty. Danilo Concepcion (UP College of Law president), Clarissa Coscolluela, Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, Saeed Daof, Ma. Leonora de Jesus, Novey Robert Dolde, Ernesto Isla, Joseph Jalandoni, Jorge Lim, Celso Lobregat, Andrew Nocon, Leonida Ortiz, Presentacion Ramos, Rosa Rosal, Antonio Soriano, Tony Leviste and Sec. Gen. Atty. Oscar Palabyab.