BOHOL Gov. Erico Aumentado stands to serve the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) for another four years after he got re-elected as chair of the local Red Cross board in rites held recently at the SegLim Hall of the Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City. Aumentado was the unanimous choice of the 19-member board that also elected Msgr. Leonardo Medroso of the Diocese of Tagbilaran as vice chair. PNRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang administered the oath of office, witnessed by Bohol Red Cross Administrator Nenita Briones, the family and friends of the directors as well as the Red Cross Youth from the different schools in the city who also provided the intermission numbers during the program.

In her message, Pang did a quick re-orientation on the Red Cross ideals, responsibilities and duties, inspired the board members to strengthen their networks so that they can meet their fund goals, and to develop 143 volunteers who must be able-bodied and can mobilize themselves with little assistance otherwise they will only be a burden and be better classified as beneficiaries. She said the Red Cross – or Red Crescent in non-Christian countries – has very limited personnel and depends to a large extent on these able-bodied volunteers. The organization is independent, impartial and neutral, with the primary objective of alleviating universal suffering. As such, she reminded the politicians in the board to provide services even to those who are non-voters or even political enemies.

She asked the clergy and school officials as well as the media in the board to help instill awareness in the organization among the faithful, the students and the community. Pang also reminded the board that their duties do not end with the provision of food and relief goods during disasters, but seeing to the psycho-social well being of the victims as well. At the same time, she praised the local authorities for completing the benchmarking so that hazard maps are now available on Bohol 's landslide-prone areas, thereby being guided already when such disaster strikes. Considering the limited resources and personnel however she said the Red Cross' primary job is to work more on disaster prevention by risk prevention. This prevents unnecessary loss of lives and properties as well as requires less relief and rehabilitation work.

She also announced that the general headquarters in Manila will be assigning an ambulance to the Bohol Red Cross for better mobility. For his part, Aumentado vowed to finish the Red Cross building, this time with the Provincial Engineer's Office and the General Services Office coordinating to finish the job. The unfinished third floor has become a health hazard itself – posing danger to those undergoing first aid training. Other members of the board are Francisca Baluyot, former Bohol Red Cross administrator and the governor's consultant on health and social services; Sr. Supt. Edgardo Ingking, police provincial director; Tagbilaran City Schools Division Superintendent Norma Varquez; State University and College President Elpidio Magante of the Central Visayas State College of Agriculture Forestry and Technology;

Retired Provincial Treasurer Nestor Balatero; President and CEO Marlito Uy of the Alturas Group of Companies; Msgr. Jeffrey Malanog; Rev. Fr. Victor Bompat; Fr. Magdoza; Rep. Edgar Chatto; Peter Dejaresco of DYRD-Bohol Chronicle; Dr. Mary Ann Ruiz; Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo Jr.; Capitol's Human Resource Management and Development Officer Romeo Teruel; Businesswoman Judith Ang; Louella Husain; and Camille Ingking of the Red Cross Youth.