Harnessing technology to serve those who serve
As the second Million Volunteer Run (MVR2) of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) kicks off this Sunday, February 10, Albert Einstein, who once voiced the fear that technology might exceed our humanity, would be heartened to know that technology is now being used to 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.
Beyond emergencies, technology has also helped in other ways. “Technology can help us reach potential new volunteers from various sectors of Philippine society,” says 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.”
Indeed, the Million Volunteer Run will showcase how PRC has taken the business of saving lives to new heights, mobilizing technologies in ways that create stronger awareness, speed up responses, and boost community empowerment.
Governor Pablo believes that technology helps the PRC create a caring human network of volunteers. “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.”
He cites as an example the PRC’s partnership with SMART, the telecom giant and industry leader. With it, the PRC has mobilized its social networks to connect with its volunteers, particularly young people. It has also helped the PRC forge alliances with the online community and establish partnerships with people from just about all sectors of 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,” adds Governor Pablo.
In the pipeline are applications to help the PRC address its tech needs. These apps will cater to the fast-growing group of smartphone users who are tech-savvy and always online. Also in development are mechanisms to enable the PRC to accept donations through mobile phones and Internet payment gateways.
The public is invited to join the Million Volunteer Run by logging on to www.run.redcross.org.ph or www.facebook.com/MillionVolunteerRun. Interested parties may also register at the Philippine Red Cross National Headquarters or any Red Cross Chapter.
