Rosa Rosal, actress, humanitarian, 97

Veteran actress Rosa Rosal passed away yesterday at the age of 97, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) announced on its Facebook page.

“For over seven decades, Governor Rosal devoted her life to the service of the Red Cross. She championed voluntary blood donation across the country, strengthened PRC’s welfare services and used every platform she had to promote compassion, volunteerism and the protection of the most vulnerable,” the statement read.

“Governor Rosal leaves behind a legacy of genuine service, dignity and love for humanity, a legacy that will continue to guide the Philippine Red Cross and inspire generations of volunteers,” it added.

The details of the wake are yet to be finalized and will be announced soon, the PRC said.

Rosal was born on Oct. 16, 1929 in Manila.

She started her acting career in the late 1940’s and was noted for her roles in “Anak Dalita” (1956), “Badjao” (1957) and “Biyaya ng Lupa” (1959).

In 1965, she was appointed a member of PRC’s Board of Governors and launched mass blood donating campaigns in the country.

She earned several recognitions, such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Order of the Golden Heart, two FAMAS Awards and a Gawad Urian. 

The actress-humanitarian was also cited as the most trusted Filipino in 2010. – Rhodina Villanueva