QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- In celebration of the 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), dedicated civil servants across the nation are invited to join a nationwide blood drive, organized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) from the 19th to the 21st of September.

CSC Chairperson, Karlo Nograles, has emphasized the collaborative efforts of the CSC, the Department of Health - Philippine Blood Center (PBC), and SM Supermalls in orchestrating this altruistic event. The bloodletting initiative carries the resounding theme of "Dugtong Buhay, Handog ng Lingkod Bayan". This initiative is a centerpiece of the third week of the Civil Service Month, designed to inspire government workers to make an enduring contribution to our nation's well-being by bolstering our blood reserves.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), the blood drive will be happening in three distinct venues: the CSC Resource Center in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, the PBC Building in Quezon Ave., Quezon City, and the SM Mall of Asia (Music Hall), Seaside Boulevard, Pasay City. These locations will serve as hubs from the 19th to the 21st of September.

Simultaneously, CSC Regional Offices will play their part in this grand mission by organizing blood drives at predetermined venues during the third week of September, welcoming donors from 8 am to 3 pm.

“We are looking forward to our bloodletting activity as this is one way of collectively showcasing volunteerism and malasakit sa kapwa among the 1.9 million civil servants. We give so others may live. This event is another way to show our appreciation to the gift of life that we are blessed with to serve the public,” said Chairperson Nograles.

The benefits of this activity, as explained by CSC Human Resource Relations Office Director IV, Ma. Theresa C. Fernandez, is that donating blood not only saves lives but also contributes to personal well-being. It's a fitness regimen in itself, burning approximately 650 calories for every pint of blood donated. Furthermore, blood donation lowers the risk of cancer by reducing excess iron content in the body. Additionally, it promotes heart health by decreasing blood viscosity and minimizing friction within arteries and blood vessels.

“While we want everyone to participate, donors will still be screened on the day of the activity based on medical guidelines. Only those who are fit and well will be allowed to donate. We encourage those who registered to sleep well, stay hydrated, eat healthy food,” reminded Director Fernandez.

Moreover, the participating government employees need not worry about work commitments, as they will be officially on duty during the scheduled bloodletting days. In recognition of their generous contribution, qualified donors will be granted a well-deserved one-day compensatory time-off, in accordance with CSC-Department of Budget and Management Joint Circular No. 2, s. 2004.

This nationwide blood drive is a testament to the unwavering commitment of civil servants to the welfare of the Filipino people. It is an embodiment of the spirit of service that defines the essence of the Civil Service Commission and the dedication of those who serve the nation. (CSC/PIA-NCR/File photo from PRC)