Rosa Rosal, veteran actress, passes away at 97

Veteran Filipina actress and humanitarian Rosa Rosal has passed away at 97, the Philippine Red Cross announced Saturday. 

"With deepest sadness, the Philippine Red Cross announces the passing of Governor Rosa Rosal," the agency shared on Facebook.

The Philippine Red Cross remembered Rosal for her humanitarian efforts and contributions as a member of the PRC's board of governors.

"For over 7 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," it said.

"Gov. 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," the Philippine Red Cross added.

The agency said details of Rosal's wake will be announced as soon as the arrangements are finalized.

Richard Gordon, PRC's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, also honored Rosal, who said that the humanitarian was "a devoted and iconic volunteer whose life was defined by compassion and unwavering service."

"Through her tireless advocacy, she helped create a national consciousness for voluntary blood donation, inspiring countless Filipinos to give the gift of life," Gordon added.

Gordon recognized Rosal, who received a Ramon Magsaysay Award for her humanitarian work and lifelong commitment to public service.

Rosal also received the Order of the Golden Heart (Grand Cross) in 2006 from then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

"Gov. Rosal leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dignity, and selfless service. The Philippine Red Cross extends its deepest condolences to her family and loved ones," Gordon said.

Born Florence Lansang Danon, Rosal as an actress is known for her countless roles in Philippine cinema, including Himala ng Birhen (1947), Anak Dalita (1956), Badjao (1957), Biyaya ng Lupa (1959) and Esperanza: The Movie (1999).

Rosal is also the recipient of the 2012 U.P. Gawad Plaridel for her outstanding contributions to the broadcasting industry, especially in the field of television.

Rosal received the Best Actress award from the Filipino Academy for Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) in 1955 for her role in "Sonny Boy" and the FAMAS International Prestige Award for the film "Anak Dalita" in 1956. Anak Dalita also won best picture at the Asian Film Festival in Hong Kong, which also earned a Presidential Citation from the late President Ramon Magsaysay.

Among the few pioneering film stars who crossed over to television in the 1960s Rosal appeared regularly on Cecille Guidote Alvarez’s dramatic series Balintataw and starred opposite Ronald Remy in Iyan Ang Misis Ko in the 1970s.

Rosal eventually brought her volunteerism and altruism to television on December 1, 1975 through GMA 7’s Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko along with Orly Mercado and Antonio Talusan. Rosal also hosted Damayan on Channel 4 in 1976.

Rosal is known for her tireless efforts with the Philippine Red Cross, for which she has been a volunteer member for its blood program since the 1950s and was later elected to its Board of Governors in 1965 and has been on its board up to the present.

Rosal promoted blood donation and upgrading of Red Cross facilities, hospitals, and clinics. —VAL, GMA Integrated News