Phl Red Cross impresses New Zealand Prime Minister
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key was very impressed with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), especially the PRC Tower’s Operations Center (OpCen), he even described the PRC’s capacity as world class.
The prime minister was given a guided tour of the PRC Tower before the inauguration of the newest PRC facility, the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center which was a joint undertaking of the PRC and the New Zealand Aid Programme, an international aid and development program under the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Key was the guest of honor during the inauguration of the facility, which can serve as a warehouse, an evacuation center, a hospital or a convention center, as the need arises.
The prime minister also vowed to continue supporting the Philippine Red Cross and cited the strong leadership of PRC Chairman Richard Gordon. He added the PRC has a world class technology and the dedicated volunteers who could be called upon to respond to disasters.
Other than the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center, New Zealand has aided the reconstruction of several PRC regional warehouses all over the Philippines.
For his part, Gordon thanked the prime minister and the people of New Zealand for their donations, adding that the partnership between the PRC and New Zealand has started even before Yolanda.
“We are greatly honored by Prime Minister John Key of New Zealand when he visited the OpCen and the new warehouse cum events center built with New Zealand aid. We are looking forward to other opportunities to partner with New Zealand,” Gordon said.
“I would also like to salute our volunteers and staff. Because of your hard work and dedication we have earned the respect of the world,” he said.