GIFT OF LIFE. Security personnel of the Presidential Communications Office join a bloodletting drive at the Times Plaza Building in Manila on Oct. 19, 2023. The Philippine Red Cross on Wednesday (Dec. 20, 2023) called on the public to donate blood as donations decline during the festive season while urgent demand for it increases due to more road accidents. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)
MANILA – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Wednesday called on the public to donate blood as donations decline during the festive season while urgent demand for it increases due to more road accidents.
Holidays are known as lean periods for blood donation due to vacations, seasonal illnesses, school breaks and severe weather.
In a statement, PRC chair and chief executive officer Richard Gordon has directed PRC's one blood center and 71 blood collection units to be prepared for a higher demand for adequate and safe blood to the most vulnerable in hospitals and communities during the holiday season.
"Ang dugo ay hindi pwedeng i-manufacture ng tao. Tanging mga donasyon ng dugo ang maaari lamang pagkuhanan ng dugo ng mga nangangailangan nito (Blood cannot be manufactured by people. Only donations could be the sources of blood for the people needing them),” Gordon said.
Each unit of donated blood can generate one unit each of red blood cells, plasma and platelets, according to the PRC Blood Services.
Each component can be transfused to several patients depending on the components required to treat their particular condition.
Moreover, donating blood reduces the risk of heart and liver diseases, lowers the risk of cancer, develops new blood cells and reduces cholesterol.
“Hinihikayat namin ang mga kababayan natin na mag-donate sa aming mga blood centers at blood collecting units. Magsisilbing regalo at pag-asa ang iyong dugo sa mga Pilipino ngayong Pasko (We’re encouraging our fellowmen to donate to our blood centers and blood collecting units. Your blood will serve as gifts and hope for Filipinos this Christmas),” Gordon said. (PNA)
