In line with the celebration of World Blood Donor Day on June 14, 2023, the Philippine Army collaborated with the Philippine Red Cross and other stakeholders in a blood donation activity at the Headquarters Philippine Army Grandstand and Luna Hall, Philippine Army Officers Clubhouse, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on June 24, 2023.
The blood donation activity entitled "Dugong Alay Ko, Dugtong sa Buhay Mo" is a project of the Philippine Red Cross Rizal Chapter led by its Branch Council Director Mrs. Jean Joselyn Maria R. Año in partnership with the Philippine Army, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Health Service Command (AFPHSC), the Army General Hospital (AGH), together with the Philippine Army Officer's Ladies Club, Inc. (PAOLCI) and the Army Lakambini Consumers Cooperative (ALCC).
The activity raised 566 successfully collected blood bags (450cc per bag) from 1,310 checked-in donors. Donors from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine National Police, Metro Manila Development Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets and reservists, donated blood as a life-saving fluid for patients who might need a prompt blood transfusion.
The Army leadership thanked its sponsoring Landers Superstore, San Miguel Corporation, Avignon Clinic, and Pocari Sweat for the success of the activity. The Army also recognized the members of the PAOLCI and ALCC for their untiring efforts and support of the event.
"On this meaningful event, as we celebrate World Blood Donor Day, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to our partners, sponsors, and especially our blood donors for participating in this life-saving initiative. Remember that your generosity and compassion have significantly impacted the lives of those in need," Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., said in his keynote remarks.
Photos by SSg Orlando B Ballesteros Jr. and Cpl Rodgen V. Quirante, OACPA