GIFT OF LIFE. Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen Roy Galido (center, seated) donates blood during the Philippine Army-wide blood donation drive in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Sunday (Aug. 25, 2024). The activity was held in commemoration of National Heroes' Day. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)
MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) announced that it has collected 24,841 blood bags during its National Heroes' Day donation drive held simultaneously in 171 centers nationwide on Sunday.
In an update Tuesday, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the figure includes 6,316 blood bags from active personnel donors and 18,525 blood bags from reservists and other donors.
He added that this activity is part of the Army's "Dugo Ko, Dugo Namin Alay ng Hukbong Katihan sa Sambayanang Pilipino" campaign.
Dema-ala said the PA partnered with various hospitals and organizations for this event. Among those who joined the blood donation drive was Army chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.
"The PA-wide donation drive is geared at sustaining an ample blood supply that will address the demand for blood as a life-saving fluid for Army personnel and ensure the need for sufficient blood reserves during large-scale force mobilization in times of emergency. With a respective 70 percent-30 percent distribution for the public and the Army, the drive aims to contribute to the country’s blood reserves," he added.
Dema-ala earlier said that they were targeting a total of 50,723 blood donors from PA personnel, reservists, dependents, Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets, and stakeholders. (PNA)
