Rosa Rosal, the veteran Filipina actress turned lifelong humanitarian, has passed away.
According to an announcement by the the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Rosal, 97, died November 15.
She leaves behind a profound legacy not only as a screen legend, but as an enduring symbol of compassion, volunteerism, and service to the most vulnerable.
Born Florence Lansang Danon on October 16, 1928, Rosal rose to fame during the Golden Age of Philippine cinema, starring in such classics as “Anak Dalita,” “Badjao,” and “Biyaya ng Lupa.”
As her career evolved, she became a familiar face on television, notably hosting the long-running public service shows “Damayan” and “Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko.”
Beyond her screen work, Rosal dedicated more than seven decades of her life to the Philippine Red Cross.
She started as a volunteer in the early 1950s and was appointed to the PRC Board of Governors in 1965.
Her advocacy for voluntary blood donation was relentless: she organized mass blood drives, persuaded celebrities to join, and even pushed for the establishment of regional blood centers and laboratories.
In recognition of her public service, she was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1999 for her “lifetime of unstinting voluntary service.”
She also received the Order of the Golden Heart for her humanitarian work.
In its statement, the Red Cross praised her legacy of “genuine service, dignity and love for humanity,” saying it will continue to guide and inspire future generations of volunteers.
