Lapu-Lapu City holds blood donation drive

CEBU, Philippines — In observance of World Blood Donor Day 2026, the Lapu-Lapu City government held its annual blood donation drive yesterday, June 13, drawing donors from various barangays to boost the city’s blood supply.

‎The activity, conducted from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hoops Dome in Barangay Gun-ob, was organized by the City Health Office and Lapu-Lapu City Hospital in partnership with the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7), the Philippine Red Cross, the National Blood Center for Health, and the Office of the Lone District Representative.

According to the city government, the drive is also part of the official activities marking Lapu-Lapu City’s 65th Charter Day celebration.

‎Held under the local theme “Dugo Ko, Kinabuhi Mo, Giluwas Ko,” with the international tagline “Your Blood. Their Life. Our Heroism,” the initiative aimed to encourage voluntary blood donation and ensure the availability of safe blood for medical use.

‎Mayor Cindi King-Chan urged residents to participate, citing the importance of sustained donor turnout to meet hospital and emergency needs.

‎“This celebration reminds us that behind every successful blood transfusion is a compassionate individual who chose to give a part of themselves so that others may have another chance at life. Blood cannot be manufactured — it can only come from generous people willing to help those in need,” she said.

‎Lapu-Lapu’s institutionalized blood donation program seeks to increase participation from barangays and maintain an adequate blood supply for emergency cases, surgeries, and patients requiring transfusions.

‎Moreover, blood donors are set to receive five kilos of rice from the city government. — (FREEMAN)