The great scientist Albert Einstein once had a concern that technology might exceed our humanity. Now, technology is helping serve the needs of humanity. Thanks to mobile phones, the Internet, and social media, the effects of recent disasters in the Philippines have been mitigated with speedy responses and the quick mobilization of volunteers and government agencies alike to help those in need. The Philippine Red Cross’s (PRC) partnership with telecom giant SMART and the kick-off of the Million Volunteer Run 2 (MVR2) on February 10, 2013 is a testament to the fusion between technology and humanity.
Thanks to mobile phones, the Internet, and social media, the effects of recent disasters in the Philippines have been mitigated with speedy responses and the quick mobilization of volunteers and government agencies alike to help those in need. “Technology can help us reach potential new volunteers from various sectors of Philippine society,” said Governor Mabini “EQ” Pablo of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). “Without these technologies, the PRC could not have attempted an activity the size and scale of the MVR2, but with it, our goals have become more ambitious.”
“We learn how to use new ways of helping during emergencies. Under our new strategies of mobilizing synergistic alliances and harnessing the latest technologies, the PRC envisions that our network of volunteers deployed across the country will become even stronger and will continue to provide critical humanitarian services faster than ever before,” Governor Pablo said. He cites the PRC’s partnership with SMART, saying that it has helped connect with its volunteers, especially younger ones, from all across the Philippines. It has also helped them connect with the online community as well as people from all sectors of Philippine society.
“Our partnership with SMART has also made possible Web-based solutions that allow multiple SMS capabilities. With this, our head office now has the means to communicate with all volunteers who have cellular phones. So you can imagine how efficient it will be to be able to advise volunteers via announcements, especially during emergencies,” Governor Pablo added.
You can sign up for the Million Volunteer Run by logging on to http://www.run.redcross.org.ph or http://www.facebook.com/MillionVolunteerRun. You can also volunteer by registering at the Philippine Red Cross National Headquarters or your local Philippine Red Cross chapter. The registration fees are 100 pesos for students, 200 pesos for non-students, and 500 pesos for business executives.