CAPAS, Tarlac (PIA) -- The Philippine Army's Training and Doctrine Command (Tradoc) and Armor Division collected a total of 492 bags of blood from separate donation drives held recently in Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. 

About 237 bags of blood came from Tradoc while 255 bags of blood were gathered from the Armor Division. 

Tradoc deputy commander, Brig. Gen. Danilo Benavides said the activity aims to ensure the sufficiency of blood supply for people and soldiers requiring blood transfusion. 

“Donating blood is one of the tangible ways of showing our compassion to people. I feel happy that the Philippine Army has activities that reflect our service and compassion for people,” he pressed.

Private Claudette Joy Delos Santos, one of the donors from Tradoc, emphasized that donating blood fulfills her sworn duty to protect and save lives. 

“I donated blood to help people who are in need and cannot afford blood. I know that this small act goes a long way in saving lives,” she said. 
 

The collected blood will supplement the blood banks of GMA Kapuso Cancer Champions Program, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Luzon chapters, and partner hospitals. 

The blood-letting activity was carried out in partnership with the GMA Kapuso Foundation, PRC, Qualistat, municipal government of Capas, St. Andrea Maternity and General Hospital, Jecsons Medical Center, and Mt. Eve Diagnostics Center. 

Also, Tarlac Provincial Hospital, V. Luna Medical Center, and Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital. 

During the activity, stakeholders offered various medical services to donors including blood pressure and Body Mass Index monitoring, blood typing, and random blood sugar checking.

Ophthalmology services, medical consultation, and Information drive on health awareness, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Mental health were also available.

The activity was in line with the celebration of the 127th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)