SANTA MARCELA, Apayao – To ensure ample blood supply in Santa Marcela town when emergencies occur, especially those needing immediate blood transfusion, the Municipal Health Office (MHO) spearheaded a blood collection activity on September 3, at the EKB gymnasium.
The effort was conducted as one of the highlights during the commencement of the month-long celebration of 124th Philippine Civil Service Commission Anniversary in the municipality, in partnership with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center (FNLGHTC).
Sixty-five bags of blood from 65 blood donors, mostly local government officials and employees, were collected, comprising a variety of blood types. The collected blood will be stored at the blood bank account of the municipal government at the Far FNLGHTC in this town.
The municipal government’s PRAISE committee, through the MHO, wanted to make sure that there is sufficient reserved blood readily available for its constituents whenever the need arises, thus the activity was pushed.
In 2023, the Municipal Health Unit achieved 1.38 percent blood collection rate surpassing its target of 1 percent, from the total populace of the municipality.
That is equivalent to 206 blood donors, who graciously contributed to its mission of saving lives.
This 2024, as previously stated by Municipal Health Unit Officer- in-Charge Dr. Ellaine Balnao, the blood-letting drive aimed to maintain its output, and if possible exceed its target.
Meantime, Mayor Evelyn B. Martinez lauded the local government officials and employees for joining in the activity saying their participation shows their selfless services and oneness with the government’s sustainable development goals. By Arjay Baysa
