DAVAO CITY – At least 500 individuals participated in the bloodletting drive launched by the Office of First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Davao City Recreation Center (DCRC).

PEOPLE donate blood in a bloodletting activity initiated by Rep. Paolo Duterte in collaboration with the Barangay Health Workers and Southern Philippines Medical Center at the Davao City Recreation Center on Thursday, Feb. 6. (Ivy Tejano)

The bloodletting activity was conducted in collaboration with barangay health workers from 54 barangays in the first district and the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

Duterte’s son Rigo, who facilitated the activity and interacted with donors and barangay officials, said the campaign initiated by his father aims to aid those in need and save lives through blood donations.

“Our less-fortunate brothers and sisters will benefit from this campaign as obtaining blood can be challenging and costly, and through this activity, they no longer need to borrow and spend money for bags of blood,” Rigo said.

Rigo thanked donors, volunteers, government officials, and health workers who supported the activity. 

Joel Hagonos, 25, bus conductor and donor from Barangay 6-A, said this was his second time donating to help others and replenish his blood.

Neophyte donor Ryan Jay Veras, 20, a barangay responder in Maa, has the same reason as Hagonos. He said donating blood is safe and compared the feeling to being lightly pricked by a mosquito.

Carlita Lagonson Bontog, president of the Barangay Health Workers in Catalunan Grande, said the bloodletting drive helps barangays and hospitals satisfy blood requirement. She added that having stored blood ensures quick response in emergencies.

“I was once afraid of needles, but reality hit hard, and a family member needed blood. I realized the importance of donating blood. Since then, I have donated blood for my family and to help those in need,” Bontog said.

Janson Cajegas, blood donor recruitment officer at SPMC, said that to be eligible for blood donation, donors must meet certain requirements. He said a donor must be between 16 and 65 and individuals aged 18 below require parental consent.

“Blood donors must weigh at least 50 kilograms and be in good health, with no symptoms of colds or coughs, have sufficient rest, and no ongoing medication to ensure their safety and those who’ll obtain the blood as this is crucial in saving lives,” Cajegas said.

He added that it is vital for blood banks to store blood to ensure that it is available for patients who require it.

“Blood has a limited lifespan of 35 days, so regular donations are necessary to maintain the supply in blood centers. Our process includes thorough screening, vital signs check, interviews, testing, and single-use equipment like needles and blood bags to ensure our donors’ safety,” he said.

Cajegas said that there is no need to fear donating blood as medical professionals are present to screen potential donors and determine if they are eligible, thus, it is essential to be honest during the screening process.

The SPMC Blood Bank successfully collected 159 bags of blood during the event. 

Rep. Duterte thanked participants and said donated  blood would significantly help those who urgently need blood transfusions and his office plans to continue the program to support the people of Davao.