ZAMBOANGA CITY – Some 42,300 cubic centimeters of blood were collected Tuesday during the joint emergency bloodletting activity initiated by the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in this city.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, said the bloodletting activity is for the benefit of dengue patients who need a blood transfusion.
Sobejana said they initiated the activity, in partnership with other organizations and agencies, as the local health office has recorded high cases of dengue and there is a shortage of blood supply.
The regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) has reported that there were 8,076 cases of dengue all over the region, with 48 deaths recorded as of July 6.
DOH data showed that Zamboanga City registered 2,663 cases of dengue, the highest compared to other areas in the region. The DOH regional office further stated that the cases recorded as of July 6 is 285 percent higher than the 2,067 cases registered in the same period last year.
“We are thankful that several people responded to our call to voluntarily donate blood despite the short notice,” said Sobejana, who also donated blood.
“This is a manifestation that the whole-of-nation approach is working to address whatever problem we confront,” he added.
The bloodletting activity was held at the La Solidaridad Hall of Westmincom in partnership with the Westmincom Defense Press Corps, Zamboanga Press Club, Inc., Zamboanga City Medical Center, City Health Office, police, Coast Guard, Navy, and, Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
The bloodletting activity is anchored on the theme “Sama-Sama kontra Dengue.” (PNA)
