PNRC, NPC ink insurance deal for mediamen

Media men covering disaster and conflict-stricken areas are now protected in case of accidents as officials of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and the National Press Club (NPC) formally signed today a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) granting insurance benefits to journalists.

The MOA was signed between PNRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Sen. Richard J. Gordon and NPC President Benny Antiporda in a simple ceremony, witnessed by officials and members of both organizations, at the PNRC Headquarters.

Also present in the event are PNRC Secretary General Corazon Alma de Leon, Deputy Secretary General Gwen Pang, NPC Vice President Rolly Gonzalo, NPC Secretary Louie Logarta, NPC Directors Amor Virata, Freddie Manalac, and Marlon Purificacion.

"This event is a humble manifestation of communion with the primary humanitarian organization in the whole world, the Red Cross. Gusto namin kasama kayong mga taga-media dito sa Red Cross," Gordon said.

He explained that in signing the MOA, the 1,200 bona fide members of the NPC will become members of the PNRC apart from receiving insurance benefits of up to P300,000 provided by Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Inc.

Gordon explained that NPC members will be enrolled as "Platinum Members", which means the insurance package would cover benefits for accidental death, disablement, dismemberment; and unprovoked murder and assault amounting to P300,000.

The Platinum category also covers benefits for accidental medical reimbursement up to P10,000; burial assistance (as a result of accident) worth P5,000; and daily hospital allowance (maximum of 60 days) worth P200 per day.

Gordon said that through the MOA signing, a stronger partnership between the PNRC and the NPC will also be forged as the Red Cross would provide NPC with updates of its activities and operations thru its communications department.

Meanwhile, the NPC would exert its best efforts to cover all of PNRC's rescue and relief activities, extend help in disseminating information during times of disasters, and assist in raising funds and awareness for the PNRC's various programs.

The PNRC Chairman also encouraged the new Red Cross members to remember that being a volunteer is not something to be bragged about, but a noble task that must be kept in their minds and in their hearts and shown through swift and sincere actions.