ALABEL, Sarangani -- Regular and first-time donors have given a share of their blood during the bloodletting activity in Barangay Kawas in celebration of World Blood Donor Day.

Some 88 blood bags were collected from 88 blood donors on June 14.

The World Blood Donor Day is an annual event observed by every country around the world every June 14. It serves to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors who generously give to save lives.

Vice Mayor Ronnel Saldua Español, a member of the board of directors of the Philippine Red Cross GenSar Chapter, commended the barangays who were able to reach the 1% target for blood donation, especially Barangay Kawas which exceeded the target with 3.02% coverage.

The World Health Organization said blood donation by 1% of the population is generally the minimum needed to meet a nation’s most basic requirements for blood.

“We encourage other barangays na kung pwede himuon natong inspirasyon ang Barangay Kawas para mudaghan pa atong mga blood donors,” Español said during the program. The local government of Alabel also gave plaques of recognition and cash awards to the performing barangays.

In 2021, four barangays in Alabel which are Alegria, Bagacay, Baluntay, and Kawas were able to reach the 1% target. Kawas topped the list with a total of 208 blood bags collected or 3.02% coverage from the 1% or only 69 target blood bags.

Municipal Health Officer Dr. Honorato Fabio also urged locals to become blood donors as it will not only save lives but is also beneficial for the health of the donor.

“If every three months naga-habwa ta ug part sa atong blood, it will encourage or stimulate our body system to produce more blood, and it is a good thing,” Fabio said.

Fabio also encouraged the donors, especially the new ones, to advocate their bloodletting experience and campaign to their families and friends to become blood donors as well, “in order to create a society where blood is available and adequate.”

The Provincial Government of Sarangani, thru the Provincial Health Office, will also hold a Mobile Blood Donation activity on June 30 at Sarangani Provincial Hospital, in celebration of the World Blood Donor Month. (Jori Mae R. Samillano/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)