GUEST COLMUNIST
Whether through medical missions in remote areas, disaster relief efforts, or life-saving initiatives like blood donation campaigns, the commitment to health and helping others is deeply embedded in Filipino culture. It’s within this context of shared responsibility and compassion that initiatives like the “Dugo ko, Buhay Mo” bloodletting drive find their true significance, bringing together public servants and ordinary citizens in a powerful display of unity and care.
As a public servant, I was moved by the many individuals who came together, going beyond the call of duty to make a meaningful impact by offering the gift of life. The event, held on Aug. 15, 2024, united three key pillars of public service: the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The turnout was remarkable, with almost 150 PCG personnel, led by Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, stepping up to donate blood. Their involvement underscored the power of collective action and the impact of coming together for a common cause.
This initiative was especially timely, given the significant rise in dengue cases in the Philippines during the first half of the year. According to the Department of Health, dengue cases from Jan. 1 to June 15 increased by 15 percent compared to the same period in 2024, with 77,867 cases reported and 205 deaths by mid-June. More recently, a dengue outbreak was confirmed in Iloilo, emphasizing the urgent need for action. In response, we organized this blood drive to help address critical needs all over the country.
For those of us in leadership positions, this activity resonated on a profoundly personal level. Echoing the sentiments of DBM Secretary and PCG Auxiliary Rear Admiral Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman, it was a proud moment for our agencies “to come together for an advocacy that transcends our usual responsibilities.”
Our heartfelt thanks go to Commandant CG Admiral Gavan, PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, and all the participants who made this life-saving effort possible. I am also grateful for my fellow undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, directors and other officials of the DBM, whose contributions have once again shown that teamwork and shared goals can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Looking at the bigger picture, I am extremely grateful to Secretary Mina, who continually inspires me and those around her to engage in humanitarian work, as helping others is second nature to her. Her commitment to service goes far beyond her official duties.
Last year, she led outreach programs in various regions across the country, including Pampanga, where we, together with volunteers from both government and the private sector, provided essential services such as medical checkups, dental cleanings, haircuts, circumcisions, legal advice, gift-giving, among others.
Sec. Mina’s efforts also extended to Mindanao, where she visited Simunul and Sibutu in Tawi-Tawi to distribute school supplies to several day care centers. In these endeavors, the Philippine Coast Guard has been a steadfast partner. These missions are more than acts of public service—they are heartfelt projects driven by a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in communities that need it most.
As an Auxiliary Commodore of the PCG, I find these experiences both stimulating and fulfilling. Being actively involved in these projects allows me to witness firsthand the positive impact we can achieve when we unite toward a common goal. It’s not just about completing the tasks at hand, but about building meaningful connections with the communities we serve and creating lasting change. Each undertaking reinforces my commitment to public service and serves as a powerful reminder of the profound responsibility we have to uplift those in need.
We are, after all, not just guardians of the seas or managers of the nation's budget — we are, first and foremost, fellow citizens with a shared responsibility to one another.
There is hope!