NAGA CITY - In line with this year’s observance of World Red Cross Day on Monday, May 8, eight chapters of the Philippines National Red Cross (PNRC) all over the country were chosen to organize an environmental outdoor activity which would include a trek to eight potentially active and active volcanoes in selected areas nationwide.
This forms part of the PNRC’s line-up of events to check the physical and mental fitness of Red Cross personnel, crucial to the performance of their duties when responding to emergencies.
The activity aimed at promoting solidarity and camaraderie among Red Crossers, has for its theme “Volunteers for Volcanoes: Exploring the Craters” also seeks to advocate environmental awareness and protection, particularly in the community.
PNRC Camarines Sur Chapter administrator Nanette Rodrigazo said in Camarines Sur, the organizers chose Mount Isarog as the site for the activity ascent to start 4:00 a.m. today, May 6 in Barangay Panicuason here, the jump-off point where a short lecture on environment protection will also be conducted along with First-Aid lectures.
The activity dubbed as “8 Peaks for May 8 - Year 2”, is also aimed to help assess disaster preparedness among chapters where active or potentially active volcanoes exist.
Aside from Mount Isarog, the other seven active and potentially active volcanoes targeted include Mount Parker in South Cotabato, Mt. Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin, Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental, Taal Vocano in Batangas, Mt. Banahaw in San Pablo City, Mt. Pinatubo in Pampanga, and Cuemos de Negros in Negros Oriental. The respective PNRC chapters where these mountains are located will host the mountain-climbing activity.
Aside from the exploration, there are other suggested activities during the climb. These includes tree planting, the cleaning of trash during the ascent, distribution of Red Cross materials on health, disaster, First Aid, and distribution of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) pamphlets in the communities or barangays in the mountain.
