TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Amidst the rising demand for blood supply in the province, an extraordinary collaboration between the Reserve Command, Philippine Army led by Col. Edwin M. Parades INF (GSC) PA, Director of 1405CDC, 14RCDG, RESCOM, PA and Chief Clerk CDC Normalito Soriano, the Provincial Health Office led by Dr. Zandra Dupali and Ferdinand Nonog, the Provincial Blood Program Coordinator, the City Health Services Office led by John Mark Awica, the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) led by Johnwin Meniano, One Kalinga Blood (OKB) led by Leo Charles Balnao, and intern medical technologist students from the International School of Asia and the Pacific (ISAP), has taken shape.
In an effort to address the pressing need for blood, over 700 ROTC students from the different higher education institutions in the city have taken the lead in blood donation drive like no other. Together, they aim to spread awareness about the importance of blood donation and individuals to become blood donors.
However, Dupali claims that not all students can donate blood today since those who weigh less than 50 kilos and those who are 17 years old and below are ineligible. Also, similar to how giving blood is a voluntary act, some students have expressed reluctance to do it at this time.
This humanitarian initiative not only showcases the selflessness and dedication of the Army Reserve and the ROTC students, but also highlights the power of unity in saving lives.
Recognizing the critical role that blood donations play in medical emergencies, the Reserve Command, PA have mobilized previous campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of donating blood. Through collective efforts, they aim to alleviate the constant shortage of blood supply in the province.
One of the key advantages of having ROTC students spearhead the blood donation campaigns is their strong sense of discipline and commitment. The students undergo extensive training in the ROTC program, which instills in them a sense of duty towards serving their community. This commitment translates into their efforts to organize and promote the blood donation drives, ensuring their success and sustainability.
Moreover, the involvement of the Reserve Command, Philippine Army brings with it a level of credibility and trustworthiness to the blood donation drives. Being part of the armed forces, the ROTC students are viewed as reliable individuals, which helps in dispelling any doubts or fears that potential donors may have.
Overall, the collaborative efforts of the ROTC students from the Reserve Command, Philippine Army, along with the support from the Provincial Health Office, City Health Services Office, and the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists have been pivotal in addressing the blood shortage in our province. Through their dedication and commitment, they have not only raised awareness about the blood shortage, but also encouraged more people to become blood donors.
When asked why they are involved in this cause, the majority of the volunteers have replied that they hope to make a difference and ensure that there is a sufficient supply of blood accessible for people who need it. By CIO