Humanitarian Icon and Veteran Actress Rosa Rosal Passes Away at 97

The nation is mourning the passing of veteran actress and renowned humanitarian Rosa Rosal, who died at the age of 97, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) confirmed on Saturday.

The PRC honored Rosal as one of its longest-serving and most dedicated volunteers, having devoted over seven decades of her life to humanitarian service. She championed voluntary blood donation, strengthened the organization’s welfare programs, and consistently advocated for the protection of the most vulnerable.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon paid tribute to her legacy, calling Rosal “an iconic volunteer whose life was defined by compassion and unwavering service.” Throughout her lifetime, she received numerous prestigious awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Order of the Golden Heart (Grand Cross), and the U.P. Gawad Plaridel.

Born Florence Lansang Danon, Rosal was a celebrated figure in Philippine cinema, starring in timeless classics such as Anak Dalita, Badjao, and Biyaya ng Lupa, earning multiple FAMAS awards and international recognition.

Her humanitarian work reached more Filipinos when she brought her advocacy to television in 1975 through GMA’s Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko, a longstanding public service program that has helped countless Filipinos in need.

The PRC said details of her wake will be announced once arrangements are finalized.

Rosa Rosal leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dignity, and lifelong service—an enduring inspiration to generations of Filipinos.