In a nationwide effort to celebrate National Heroes Day in the best way, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) organized simultaneous mass blood donation drives across 24 sites.
This massive undertaking was designed to commemorate the heroism of the nation’s forebears by inspiring modern-day acts of heroism through blood donation.
The blood donation sites spanned the entire country, reflecting a collective commitment to saving lives and reinforcing the spirit of service that National Heroes Day represents.
The donation sites included major locations in Mandaluyong, Rizal, Pasig, Makati, Malabon, Laguna, Palawan, Sorsogon, Antique, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato, General Santos and Batanes; two sites in Batangas, Baguio, Cagayan and Zamboanga del Sur; and three sites in Iloilo.
A Highlight in Tarlac: Philippine Army and PRC Join Forces
Among the various sites, a significant blood donation event was held at the Armor Division in Camp O’Donnell, Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac, a testament to the strong partnership between the PRC and the Philippine Army.
The Tarlac event, organized in collaboration with the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, headed by Dr. Isa Suntay, the major sponsor, aimed to collect blood from 1,300 donors from three army divisions—the Armor Division led by its Commander, MGen Pedro Balisi, Jr., the Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC) led by its Commander, MGen Danilo Benavides, and the Army Support Command (ASCOM) led by its Commander, MGen Rogelio Ulanday.
These three divisions of the Philippine Army through the leadership of its Commander LGen Roy Galido and Vice Commander, MGen Leodevic Guinid, have been steadfast partners of the Tarlac Red Cross Chapter, contributing significantly to its blood donation efforts over the years.
TRADOC has been involved since 2017, collecting a total of 1,514 units of blood.
ASCOM joined the initiative in 2022 and has since collected 332 units, while the Armor Division Command recently contributed 120 units in a blood drive last June 4, 2024.
Aside from the PRC Tarlac Chapter, three nearby chapters also joined the mass blood donation – PRC Bataan, PRC Nueva Ecija and PRC Pampanga.
A Nationwide Effort to Save Lives
PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed his appreciation of the Philippine Army’s effort to conduct a simultaneous blood donation to save live.
“I am extremely proud of our army – kahit kulang ang gamit, you are prepared to fight for your country. Kulang na pero heto kayo at nagbibigay pa rin.”
“More than being grateful, I am extremely proud of our army – kahit kulang ang gamit, you are prepared to fight for your country. Kulang na pero heto kayo at nagbibigay pa rin. You fight for the country and now you help those who are fighting for their lives. Heroes in every sense of the word. Mabuhay kayo! Dahil ngayong araw nakapagbigay kayo ng buhay,” Gordon stressed.
PRC Secretary-General Dr. 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.”
“This simultaneous mass blood donation drive is a clear demonstration of the collective spirit of bayanihan that still thrives in our communities. We are proud of every donor and volunteer who took part in this noble cause,” Pang said.
The PRC continues to rely on the generosity of blood donors and the support of communities nationwide to maintain a stable blood supply.
For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, please contact the PRC Blood Call Center by dialing 143 and 1158 nationwide.
For more information on future bloodletting events or to learn how you can participate in saving lives, please visit the Philippine Red Cross website or contact your local PRC chapter.
Together, we can continue to honor our heroes by making a difference in the lives of others.
