COVID-19 has put the world in a state of crisis since the beginning of 2020. Then, in the latter part of the year, places in Luzon were devastated by strong typhoons and flooding. This difficult time, which has already taken countless lives and has left many struggling, is sending a clear message: help is needed now more than ever.
In the spirit of “bayanihan”, several people and groups are actively responding to the crises at hand. Red Cross 143 OLFU (RC143 OLFU), a student organization at the Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) Valenzuela Campus, is one of them.
After the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses in November, RC143 OLFU members went on emergency duties at the Philippine Red Cross Valenzuela City Chapter. Members closely monitored situations and were deployed to different evacuation centers in Barangay Marulas. In those areas, they set up first aid and welfare stations and likewise disseminated information about personal hygiene and sanitation.
RC143 OLFU also called for donations and coordinated with other clubs and classes at OLFU Valenzuela about the assistance that the students can provide. Such efforts saw great response from their fellow Fatimanians.
Advocating disaster preparedness and response, RC143 OLFU was established in June 2019 by the Philippine Red Cross Valenzuela City Chapter, beginning with 25 Indian students from OLFU. It is the first ever foreign RC143 in the history of the Philippine Red Cross.
RC143 OLFU currently has 54 members composed of Fatimanians from India, the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States of America. It is recognized as an international interest-based organization at the University.
RC143 OLFU also works with the Philippine Red Cross National Headquarters for the COVID-19 test data collection and release of results of the Philippine Red Cross Molecular Laboratory in Mandaluyong. Moreover, members assist foreign OLFU students, as well as their friends in different schools, who will be travelling back to their home countries during the pandemic.
Through their admirable efforts, RC143 OLFU keeps the essence of Truth and Compassion alive for their University and communities. May they continue to “improve man as man” in all of their endeavors. Rise to the top!
Information and Photo Credits:
Jomy Augustine – RC143 OLFU President
Dyna Dinesh Sajitha – RC143 OLFU Secretary
To know more about RC143 OLFU, kindly visit their official social media accounts:
Instagram – @redcross143olfu
Facebook – Red cross 143 Olfu
Twitter – @redcross_143
