1,000 individuals donate blood in Lapu-Lapu City

CEBU, Philippines — At least 1,000 individuals donated blood to celebrate the 20th World Blood Donor Day on Saturday, June 15, at the Lapu-Lapu City Hoops Dome.

The blood-letting activity was organized by the Lapu-Lapu City government in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH)-Central Visayas, Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and other private and government organizations. It was also in line with the Lapu-Lapu City's 63rd Charter Day celebration.

Centered on the theme; "Dugo Ko, Kinabuhi Mo, Giluwas Ko," the donated bloods will be distributed to the DOH Subnational Blood Center for Visayas and PRC, says Dr. Agnes Cecile Realiza, Lapu-Lapu City Health Office head.

City Councilor Dr. Emilio Galaroza, health committee chairperson, shared in his welcome remarks the approval of a City Ordinance which aims to promote voluntary blood donation every month.

“In this ordinance…they are conducted that they have to participate [in] the blood donation program. It is…to ensure that the blood donation program is really…in place,” Galaroza said.

Proposed by Galaroza, the ordinance states at least one percent of the total population are to donate blood while two percent are recruited as potential blood donors. The ordinance ensures that every Barangay in Lapu-Lapu City participates in the blood donation program as a commitment to its importance.

Meanwhile, Regional Voluntary Blood Services Program (RVBSP) Coordinator Dr. Joan Antonette Albito said in her speech that blood donors are the "lifeline" of those who are facing medical emergencies, surgeries, chronic illnesses, pregnant women, cancer survivors, and victims of accidents.

"Ang inyong dedication of donating blood regularly has transformed a simple act of generosity to a life-saving impact," Albito added.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan also thanked the blood donors, healthcare professionals, and volunteers, noting the impact of each blood donation.

“...kay sa usa ka [bag nga] dugo, tulo na ka kinabuhi…atoang maluwas,” the mayor said.

First-time blood donor Sherly Yongco said she donated blood in the hopes of helping others in need. And if she ever needs help in the future, others might be able to help her in return through blood donation.

“Para makatabang pod ta sa uban ba nga nangilahanlan. Kita kon mangilahanlan ta…basi’g moabot sad [ang] time nga kita na poy mahatagan og…dugo,” Yongco said.

This year marked Lapu-Lapu City's third year of hosting the World Blood Donor Day. In 2023, 695 individuals donated blood.