By Ian Ocampo Flora
The activity was a collaborative effort between Angeles Mayor Francis Nepomuceno and the Philippine National Red Cross Angeles City Chapter.
The program dubbed "Bigay Buhay Project" is in accordance with providing adequate and safe source of blood for patients in the region needing blood transfusion. The move was the result of the closure of commercial blood banks in the country late last year.
Augusto Ocampo, chapter administrator, said the present status of blood supply in the region is still enough to support the present need.
However, he stressed that the Red Cross must maintain a working supply to address immediate need from other provinces and the possible outbreak of dengue because of the rains.
"The Red Cross supplies blood to nearby provinces because we have a distribution scheme that assures a steady supply. However, we are propagating the awareness and importance of donating blood most especially now that we are the only source of free blood in the country," Ocampo said.
The government previously closed commercial blood banks due to the unscrupulous collection of blood from "unscreened" and "unfit" donors.
Ocampo also stressed that it was a usual practice to sell blood to blood banks. "Blood is life and a gift from God, it should not be taken as a form of commodity," he added.
The activity at City Hall was participated in by the rank and file of different departments who underwent screening and check-up before undergoing the blood letting process.
"I feel more refreshed and my body seems lighter after I donated blood," said Juanita Andaya, an employee here, after donating blood.
Studies prove that blood letting provides considerable health benefits. Bone marrows are said to function much better aside from new blood that is subsequently produced.
The bloodletting program is just a part of the general services provided by the Red Cross, which includes disaster services, safety services, social services, and community nursing.
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