In his message, Duterte called on the PRC to be vigilant not only in assisting people during natural and man-made calamities, but also in initiating programs that would complement fight against illegal drugs, crime and corruption.
According to PRC, M/V Amazing Grace is capable of operating as both a cargo-loaded barge that can haul itself onto shore, and a twin-hulled vessel that cuts through choppy seas, the PRC humanitarian ship will be deployed as a rapid transport and landing vessel for Red Cross’ emergency units for sea rescue and mass evacuation.
The name of the vessel, submitted by 27-year-old nurse and PRC volunteer Raymond Papa, was chosen winner of an online contest tagged as #NameThatRedCRossShip.
During the launch, PRC Chairman Dick Gordon said that when Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit the Philippines, it took some time for aid to arrive in the hard hit areas in Eastern Visayas due to impassable roads and the closure of airports and seaports, which made it difficult for the government and humanitarian actors like the Philippine Red Cross to bring relief to the affected areas.
“Trucks carrying humanitarian aid had to line up for days to be accommodated in seaports and sea vessels going to the affected areas,” Gordon said.
Last year the PRC made a bold move – the purchase of a ship which can perform its humanitarian work in the Philippines and the Asia Pacific Region.
“The ship is the realization of our vision to establish the Philippine Red Cross as the foremost humanitarian organization in the country, capable of delivering timely humanitarian services that save lives and restore the dignity of the most vulnerable,” Gordon said.
It can operate both as cargo-loaded barge that can haul itself onto shore and a twin-hulled vessel that cuts through choppy seas, said Gordon. It will also serve as relief supply transport ship, medical facility deployment ship, sea rescue and mass evacuation vessel, humanitarian logistics ship, mobile operations command post, and humanitarian education and training ship.
Its space can hold up to 120 passengers, 20 vehicles, and has a 35-ton overall freight capacity. Its main deck can be lowered to offload equipment and land on beaches in as shallow as four feet of water.
Without cargo, the ship is capable of evacuating a thousand people to safety during large-scale disasters. Without that many people, it can carry 6x6 trucks, ambulances, and relief goods to people affected by disasters in one relief mission.
The ship needs only a maximum of six personnel as crew. Last year, PRC entered into an agreement with the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific for the provision of the crew and maintenance and ship’s maintenance.
The PRC, according to Gordon, welcomes volunteers to help maintain the ship especially during disaster operations. They can log on to www.redcross.org.ph. (PRC/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)
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