VP Sara: Donate blood, save lives

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte encouraged the public yesterday to take part in this month’s blood donation drive “to give hope and save lives.”

In a message posted on the official Facebook page of the Office of the Vice President in line with the observance of National Blood Donor’s Month, Duterte urged the public to support the cause by donating uncontaminated blood for patients in need.

“Having uncontaminated blood would not only be helpful to many Filipino patients who are in need of (blood). It also gives hope to people and their families in the entire country who are facing different health problems,” Duterte said.

“It is for this reason that this month, I am encouraging people to go to the nearest blood donation center and be part of the program that gives hope and saves lives,” she added.

The Vice President said the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Red Cross (PRC) are continuously accepting blood donations to help ensure a steady and safe supply nationwide.

Those interested may donate at any DOH-accredited blood center or PRC facility, join scheduled bloodletting activities in their local communities, reach the PRC through their hotline (143 or 1158) or visit their website (https://redcross.org.ph/) for information on blood donation locations and procedures.