In a bloodletting activity co-organized by Döhle Seafront, the Philippine Red Cross collected 58.5 liters of blood from the citizens of Barangay Mahabang Parang in Binangonan, Rizal last November 7.
The activity is in response to the organizations’ national call for blood donors, as reserves depleted and donations fell by around 29% due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“While recruiting blood donors has become very challenging and decreased, the need for blood remains the same. Because of the restrictions and lockdowns put in place, people have become very cautious and hesitant to donate,” stressed PRC National Blood Center Manager Dr. Sheryll Tonelete.
The Philippine Red Cross needs an average of 12,000 to 13,000 blood bags a day to ensure it can provide blood for emergencies nationwide.
“At the start of the pandemic, the Philippine Red Cross has been generous to our sector and made significantly cheaper RT-PCR testing available for our seafarers. Our activity, while alone itself is noble, is a way of giving back to the organization, and allowing the people of Brgy. Mahabang Parang to become lifelines of our countrymen in need,” shared Döhle Seafront Crewing (Manila) President lawyer Iris Baguilat.
Spearheaded by Mission Hills socio-civic groups Emergency Response Preparedness Action Team (ERPAT) and Emergency Relief and Management Action Team (ERMAT), and with the help and support from the brotherhood of Alpha Kappa Rho and local officials, some 200 donors gathered at the Bagong Pag-asa Covered Court for the event.
“We are very grateful to the organizers and blood donors of this lifesaving activity for helping us maintain an adequate level of blood supply for our sick,” expressed Dr. Tonelete.
Mahabang Parang Barangay Captain Melencio Villangca expressed delight and gratitude to his constituents, and officials that safeguarded the event and made sure proper health protocols were observed.
“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mamamayan ng Mahabang Parang lalo na sa mga nagbigay ng dugo at nawa’y marami po itong matulungan dahil maraming nangangailan ng dugo na pandugtong sa ating mga buhay,” he said.
On behalf of Angono City Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon and Vice Mayor Gerardo Calderon, Villangca also thanked the organizers for the goods provided to successful blood donors and food for the workers on the event.