Red Cross, PNP hold blood drive

NAGA CITY --- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) - Camarines Sur Chapter in partnership with the Camarines Sur 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) collected 24 units of blood during a mass blood donation (MBD) drive held Thursday, July 9 at the Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (CSPPO) in Concepcion Grande here.

Dubbed “Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko”, the activity was one of the highlights of the 25th Police Community Relations (PCR) celebration with the theme : "Pinaigting na Ugnayan ng Mamamayan at Pulisya, Laban sa COVID-19 Pandemya.”

Cam Sur 1st PMFC Force commander Lt. Col. Pobleo Mariano P. Magistrado V, expressed his appreciation to all those who took part in the blood-letting activity and for the usual collaboration rendered by PRC Camarines Sur through OIC chapter administrator Ma. Francia A. Fullante.

PRC Camarines Sur Chapter blood coordinator Tony Macatangay draws blood from one of the volunteer-donors during the blood letting activity. (Photo credit: Camarines Sur 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company)

Thirty-five personnel of the 1st PMFC and other police personnel coming from various municipal police stations in the province took part in the activity and provided the PRC the much needed blood supply for Bicolanos who need blood.

Fullante said that with the uncertainty of Covid-19, the need for blood remains critical to sustain community health.

“We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the CSPPO for allowing us to have our MBD in their area and for allowing their PNP personnel to voluntarily donate blood. In this time of crisis, we need more blood donors and we are counting on our volunteers out there. Donate blood and save lives,” Fullante said.

Following strict standard of safety, the PRC remains resolute in its mission to provide safe, adequate, timely and accessible supply of blood to the needy, specifically for transfusion and other medical procedures.

This blood letting drive is also pursuant to Republic Act No. 7719, also known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994, which “promotes voluntary blood donation to provide sufficient supply of safe blood and to regulate blood banks. This act aims to inculcate public awareness that blood donation is a humanitarian act.” All police and PRC personnel followed the basic health standards like wearing of face masks, observation of physical distancing and other health protocols during the conduct of MBD. (PIAV-Camarines Sur)