Negros officials cited for blood donations

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo lauded government officials, including those from Negros Occidental, who showed support and commitment to the National Voluntary Blood Services Program.

The 200 outstanding officials were honored at the 13th National Sandugo Awards at the Diamond Hotel in Manila Tuesday.

"This day belongs to you, the local chief executives, for giving hope to our countrymen. Hindi sayang ang paglahok niyo dito sa programa as this really extends the life of our fellow Filipinos," Robredo said.

Among the awardees were Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., who was the lone governor awardee, Mayors Evelio Leonardia of Bacolod City, Agustin Ernesto Bascon of Himamaylan City, Lawrence Marxlen de la Cruz of Don Salvador Benedicto town and Alejandro Mirasol of Binalbagan, and 58 barangay captains in Negros Occidental.

Robredo quoted a Philippine National Red Cross report that stated: "There is a gap of 400,000 units of blood for 50,000 patients."

DOH Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial said, "As of last year, the voluntary blood-letting program has produced 800,000 blood units (but) we are still short of 200,000 units," she said while citing the commitment of the 200 awardees that needs to be replicated to "ensure adequate voluntary blood by 2015." (FREEMAN)