BONTOC, Mountain Province – A total of 19,800cc of blood or 44 bags from the 44 donors were collected during the blood-letting activity last February 13, 2024, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol Auditorium.
These include seventeen units of Type O+, four units of Type AB, 17 units of Type B+, and six units of Type A, which will be turned over to the Philippine Red Cross-Mountain Province Chapter.
Medical Technologist II Cecilia Stella Matiw of the MHO mentioned that the collected units of blood will be screened for bloodborne diseases such as Hepatitis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), malaria, and others.
She added that once screened, the donated blood can be availed of by the patients at the Bontoc General Hospital, Paracelis District Hospital and to those who need blood transfusion.
Meanwhile, she mentioned that five donors were deferred due to Quality Not Sufficient (QNS), low hemoglobin, low weight, high blood pressure, and positive alcohol beverage intake.
The donation activity was participated by the uniformed personnel, government employees, youth, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials in the municipality, and other donors.
In an interview, Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., extended his utmost gratitude to the honours referring to them as heroes.
“Giving blood is a heroic life-saving act of solidarity to improve the lives of patients suffering from life–threatening conditions and to support medical and surgical procedures. Maintaining a regular supply of blood in our facilities is essential to ensure that safe and adequate blood supply is readily available for those who may need it,” the mayor added.
Likewise, he expressed his appreciation to the entire workforce during the activity.
Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Diga Kay Gomez, joined Mayor Tudlong in extending gratitude to the blood donors, along with the workforce.
Bannering the theme “Feb-ibig: Dugong Alay, Karugtong ay Buhay”, the Blood Donation Drive was initiated by the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) through the Local Youth Developmental Office LYDO and Municipal Health Office (MHO) in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Mountain Province Chapter, Department of Health (DOH)- Provincial Office –Human Resource for Health, and Provincial Health Office.
Meanwhile, as a gesture of appreciation for their invaluable contribution, the blood donors received tokens and certificates. By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay & Aprilyn Tudlong
