Our History & Leadership
A Legacy of Humanitarian Service
The history of the Philippine Red Cross - Baguio Chapter reflects decades of humanitarian service, community involvement, and organizational development.
The Chapter traces its origins to the Baguio-Benguet-Mountain Province Red Cross Chapter, with Mrs. Salud Montelibano serving as its first Chapter Administrator and Dr. Teodoro Arvisu as its first Chairman of the Board of Directors.
In its early years, the Chapter operated from Camp Allen before transferring to the stone market and later to Baguio City Hall in 1956.
Building a Home for Humanitarian Service
Under the leadership and support of Mrs. Lucille Foster, the Chapter expanded its programs and pursued the acquisition of property and construction of its own building.
The cornerstone of the Red Cross building was laid on February 11, 1956. The building was inaugurated and occupied on August 5, 1956.
During this period, trained women volunteers organized the Specialized Volunteer Services (SVS), which became an important foundation of the Chapter's volunteer activities.
The Chapter's blood services also developed from an initial blood collection unit into a more capable blood service facility over the succeeding years.
Organizational Development
In 1972, the organization became the Baguio-Benguet Chapter following the establishment of a separate Mountain Province-Kalinga-Apayao-Ifugao Chapter based in Bontoc.
On March 18, 1981, the Benguet Red Cross Chapter was established as a separate chapter.
These developments marked important stages in the evolution of Red Cross services in Baguio and neighboring communities.
Rebuilding After the 1990 Earthquake
The earthquake of July 16, 1990, seriously damaged the Chapter's building.
With support from Philippine Red Cross National Headquarters, which provided ₱3.2 million in 1991 for reconstruction, a new Chapter building was constructed and inaugurated on July 16, 1992.
The reconstruction represented an important milestone in restoring and strengthening the Chapter's capacity to continue its humanitarian mission.
Continuing the Humanitarian Legacy
Throughout its history, the Baguio Chapter has benefited from the commitment of its leaders, personnel, volunteers, and supporters.
Their contributions have helped establish the foundations of the humanitarian services that the Chapter continues to develop for the communities it serves.