Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle among soldiers as the Philippine Army commenced its two-day nationwide blood donation drive in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, and key Army camps nationwide from March 8 to March 9, 2024.
“Be reminded that our health is important not only today as active military personnel but also after our military service,” Lt. Gen. Galido said in his keynote remarks during the activity, which was live-streamed to Army camps and units nationwide. Aside from maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the Army Chief likewise highlighted the importance of discipline and a strong family that will serve as the foundation for a strong soldier who will, in turn, form part of a strong Philippine Army.
The two-day donation drive is geared toward sustaining an ample blood supply, which will address the demand for blood as a life-saving fluid for Army personnel and ensure the need for sufficient blood reserves during large-scale force mobilization in times of emergency.
The donation drive, with a respective 70%-30% distribution for the public and the Philippine Army, also aims to contribute to the country’s blood reserves. The Army targets to collect around 50,000 blood bags from donors, which include Army officers, enlisted personnel, reservists, and ROTC cadets, as well as donors from civilian agencies and other uniformed services.
Photos by SSg. Cesar P. Lopez, OACPA