Posted by ReyFort Media
Actress and humanitarian Rosa Rosal was well-known for her commitment to public service. As a popular actress and television host, she stood out for her dedication to charitable work. In 1999, she was honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service, often regarded as the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize, where she shared her remarkable life and contributions.
Born Florence Lansang Danon, Rosal enjoyed a simple and happy childhood in Manila. She began her career early, first as a radio announcer during the war and later as a secretary to a doctor.
At just 16, she was noticed by a movie producer because of her beauty. Her debut film, “Kamagong,” was released in 1947, marking the beginning of a remarkable career. In addition to acting, she prudently earned a diploma in commerce by attending night school.
Initially known for playing femme fatale roles, she later became a respected dramatic actress. In 1955, she won the Best Actress award for her performance in “Sonny Boy,” and a year later, she starred in the acclaimed classic “Anak Dalita.”
As a teenager, Rosal developed a habit of volunteering at the hospital. One night, she encountered a young girl who had fallen from a five-story building and was in a coma.
Through the Red Cross, Rosal managed to find blood for a transfusion, and she was overwhelmed with joy when the girl’s eyes fluttered open.
This experience inspired her to officially volunteer for the Philippine National Red Cross Blood Program in 1950, a commitment that has endured throughout her career, despite the stardom and personal challenges she faced.
As a Red Cross volunteer, Rosal pioneered mass blood donation campaigns, encouraging other celebrities to participate. She mobilized the armed forces and citizen cadets for annual blood drives.
Rosal urged the Red Cross to establish regional blood banks and laboratories where anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, could have their blood tested. She played a key role in procuring the Philippines’ first refrigerated centrifuge and the necessary equipment to screen blood for the AIDS virus.
Using her own money, she refurbished the blood-giving room at the Red Cross headquarters, inspiring others to renovate the laboratory and blood bank.
Rosal has been a tireless fundraiser. During the bloody coup of 1989, she appealed for blood over the radio and took personal risks by delivering emergency supplies to city hospitals.
She served as a PNRC governor and chair of the Red Cross Blood Program, an organization she has long represented.
Eventually, Rosal moved away from the sensation-driven film industry and took on family-oriented roles in television. She pioneered public service programs such as “Damayan,” which has helped thousands of people in urgent need.
Her acts of kindness extend far beyond the Red Cross. Her many beneficiaries include victims of illness and disasters, abused overseas contract workers, disadvantaged youth and women, and victims of rape, incest, and domestic violence.
Additionally, she has funded the education of many young people and facilitated adoptions for unwanted babies, ensuring they find loving homes.
Rosal admitted to being relentless when it comes to taking action. “I am a doer and a fighter,” she stated, “but I do so without stepping on anyone’s toes.”
She has found fulfillment in a life of service. To her grandchildren, she said she has only her good name to pass on: “Pass it on,” she told them.
On Nov. 15, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) announced Rosal’s demise on social media.
“With deepest sadness, the Philippine Red Cross announces the passing of Governor Rosa Rosal. For over seven decades, Gov. 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 PRC statement read. She was 97.
Details regarding Rosal’s interment have not yet been released.
Rest with angels. (R. Requintina/mb.com.ph)
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