To mark National Heroes Day this year, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) coordinated simultaneous mass blood donation drives at 24 locations across the country.
This extensive effort carried out on Aug. 25, aimed to honor the heroism of the nation's ancestors by encouraging contemporary acts of heroism through blood donation.
The blood donation sites were spread across the entire country, underscoring a unified commitment to saving lives and reinforcing the spirit of service embodied by National Heroes Day which is celebrated every last Monday of August.
The donation sites included prominent locations such as Mandaluyong, Rizal, Pasig, Makati, Malabon, Laguna, Palawan, Sorsogon, Antique, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato, General Santos, and Batanes. Additionally, there were two sites each in Batangas, Baguio, Cagayan, and Zamboanga del Sur, as well as three sites in Iloilo.
Philippine Army, PRC join forces
One of the notable events took place at the Armor Division in Camp O'Donnell, Sta. Lucia, Capas, and Tarlac highlight the strong collaboration between the PRC and the Philippine Army.
The Tarlac event, organized in partnership with the Tarlac Heritage Foundation and spearheaded by major sponsor Dr. Isa Suntay, aimed to gather blood from 1,300 donors representing three army divisions: the Armor Division, under the command of MGen Pedro Balisi, Jr.; the Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC), led by MGen Danilo Benavides; and the Army Support Command (ASCOM), headed by MGen Rogelio Ulanday.
Under the leadership of LGen Roy Galido and Vice Commander MGen Leodevic Guinid, these three Philippine Army divisions have been unwavering supporters of the Tarlac Red Cross Chapter, making substantial contributions to its blood donation efforts over the years.
TRADOC has participated since 2017, amassing a total of 1,514 units of blood. ASCOM joined the initiative in 2022, collecting 332 units to date, while the Armor Division Command recently added 120 units during a blood drive on June 4.
In addition to the PRC Tarlac Chapter, the mass blood donation effort also involved the PRC chapters in Bataan, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga.
Saving lives as a nationwide effort
PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dick Gordon expressed his gratitude for the Philippine Army's initiative in conducting a simultaneous blood donation drive to save lives.
“More than being grateful, I am extremely proud of our army - even though you lack equipment, you are prepared to fight for your country. Even with limited resources, you are still here and giving your all,” Gordon said in a mix of English and Filipino.
“You fight for the country, and now you help those who are fighting for their lives. Heroes in every sense of the word. Long live you! Because today, you have given the gift of life,” he added.
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang also shared her gratitude for the overwhelming support from volunteers and donors nationwide.
“This simultaneous mass blood donation drive is a clear demonstration of the collective spirit of bayanihan that still thrives in our communities,” she said. “We are proud of every donor and volunteer who took part in this noble cause,” she added.
PRC said it continues to rely on the generosity of blood donors and community support across the country to ensure a steady blood supply.
For information on blood donations, requests, and other inquiries, PRC can be reached through its Blood Call Center at 143 or 1158 nationwide.
For details on upcoming blood donation events or how to participate in saving lives, interested individuals may visit the Philippine Red Cross website or reach out to the local PRC chapter.
“Together, we can continue to honor our heroes by making a difference in the lives of others,” PRC said.