A Stronger Link in Disaster Response
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) announced a new milestone in its ongoing mission to deliver timely humanitarian aid across the archipelago. On Thursday, October 16, the PRC received a fully equipped food truck donated by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA). This strategic addition is designed to bolster disaster response capabilities and support humanitarian operations in remote and hard-to-reach communities.
The turnover ceremony took place at PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong City and was attended by senior officials from both organizations. Participants included H.E. Niyazi Evren Akyol, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Philippines; Dr. Ümit Naci Yorulmaz, Vice President of TİKA; and key staff from TİKA’s Philippines office, such as Seylan Imre, Philippine Desk Officer; Ibrahim Katirci, Country Coordinator; and Project Officers Albana Mohammad and Kyle Christian Manejero. Representing the PRC were Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, and other officials from PRC services.
The collaboration marks another chapter in the long-standing partnership between TİKA and the PRC, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening disaster response mechanisms and delivering timely humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities across the Philippines.
From Aid to Action: What the Food Truck Brings
At the heart of the donation is a food truck built to be a mobile kitchen capable of serving thousands of hot meals in disaster zones. The vehicle features a fully equipped range, including an oven, rice steamer, freezer, two industrial stoves with a ventilation system, and a solar panel setup to ensure operation even in areas with limited power supply. The solar capabilities and robust kitchen equipment enable PRC teams to prepare and distribute nutritious meals quickly, a crucial factor in the immediate response phase following natural disasters or large-scale emergencies.
During the turnover, Gordon underscored the psychological and community-building value of such a vehicle. “Whenever there’s a disaster, everybody’s afraid and insecure,” he said. “But when you see a truck like this, dedicated to serving people and giving them comfort, it gives people hope.” He also described the truck as a symbol of resilience—capable of nourishing bodies and soothing minds in the wake of upheaval.
Global Solidarity with Local Impact
Akyol praised the PRC’s dedication to humanitarian service and recalled Türkiye’s own experience of receiving aid after the 2023 Türkiye earthquake. “The PRC is used to helping people, even across countries. We were touched when they sent aid during the earthquake in Türkiye in 2023,” he noted. Yorulmaz, who has served as Vice President of the Turkish Red Crescent, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in disaster response. He spoke of a humanitarian network that spans borders and disciplines, underlining that shared resources and knowledge are critical when crises strike.
The handover represents more than a single donation—it signals a strengthened framework for joint action in disaster response and humanitarian services. The food truck will enable PRC teams to reach disaster-affected populations with ready-to-eat meals, water, and essential relief supplies, especially in areas where traditional relief efforts may face logistical hurdles.
Looking Ahead: Building Resilience Across the Philippines
As the partnership between the PRC and TİKA deepens, both organizations emphasize sustainability and local capacity-building. With the food truck as a mobile kitchen and relief hub, PRC field teams can operate more effectively in remote municipalities, island communities, and during emergencies that disrupt supply chains. The collaboration also reinforces the broader mission of both organizations to provide timely humanitarian assistance, reduce vulnerabilities, and strengthen resilience among Philippine communities facing natural hazards.
About the Partners
The Philippine Red Cross is a nationwide humanitarian organization. TİKA is the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, known for its international aid programs that support disaster relief, education, and development projects around the world.
