DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — At least 30 Pangasinan residents participated in a bloodletting event on October 17, organized by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-Urdaneta District Jail Male Dormitory (UDJMD) in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross-Urdaneta branch and the Inner Wheel Club of Downtown Dagupan District 379, to support community life-saving efforts.
The event carried the theme “Isang Patak ng Pag-ibig” which highlighted unity and support for those in need while promoting the spirit of community service and collaboration.
It successfully collected 31 bags of blood.
Jail Chief Insp. Randy Batay-An said blood donors included UDJMD jail personnel, as well as representatives from other national government agencies (NGAs) such as the Cty Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), along with representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the local churches.
“Karamihan sa aming personnel ay active donor naman, a better way para ma-increase ang awareness ng community sa activities ng jail,” he said, emphasizing that working together not only helps meet urgent healthcare needs but also builds a sense of unity among residents.
(Most of our personnel are active donors, which is a great way to raise community awareness of the jail’s activities.)
Honeylette Bamba, head of the Philippine Red Cross branch in Urdaneta City, said their collaboration with the BJMP is part of their mission to ensure a sufficient blood supply, especially for patients in need of urgent assistance.
She further emphasized the importance of these efforts in saving lives through blood donation.
“Napakalaking importansya at tulong na mas mapadami pa natin ang mga partners ng PRC at mga donor para mas marami pa tayong pasyente na mabigyan ng dugo at matulungan na makapagligtas ng buhay,” she said, adding that they ensure that at least 50 to 100 bags of blood, with various blood types, are stocked in their branch to meet the demand in case of emergencies.
(It is very important to increase the number of partners and donors for the PRC to help more patients receive blood and save lives.)
Bamba said that in case the facility is out of stock of a specific blood type, they refer or endorse patients to the nearest facility that has it available to ensure that patients receive the necessary transfusions without delay during critical situations.
The PRC Pangasinan chapter has facilities in the cities of Alaminos, Dagupan, San Carlos, and Urdaneta.
Meanwhile, to ensure the safety of donated blood, Bamba said that the activity involves screening donors for medical history and infectious diseases, monitoring vital signs, and testing blood samples.
To qualify to donate blood, individuals must be at least 18 years old (or a minor with parental consent), weigh at least 50 kilograms, not be sleep-deprived on the day of donation, and be in good health.
Shimelle Paneda, collecting agent of the BFP Urdaneta, has been an active donor since 2018.
“Yearly po akong nagdo-donate at maganda sa pakiramdam na nakakatulong. Naisip ko na makakatulong ito sa iba at maraming nangangailan,” she said.
(I donate blood yearly, and it feels great to help others. I believe this can really make a difference for those in need.)
Romeo Ellamil Jr., a jail officer of BJMP-UDJMD, has donated blood for the third time, and it has become a personal commitment for him to participate in such programs.
“As long as we are healthy and physically fit ay makakapag-donate tayo. Hinihikayat ko ang bawat isa na sa pagdodonate po natin ay makakapag-save tayo ng isang buhay,” he encouraged.
(As long as we are healthy and fit, we can donate. I encourage everyone that by donating, we can save a life..)
Due to public concern that blood is donated for free but incurs costs when needed, Bamba clarified, “Ang dugo mula sa mga blood donors ay libre na ipinamimigay sa mga nangangailangan. Gayunpaman, ito ay dumadaan sa screening at processing, pati na rin sa mga bag at iba pang kagamitan na ginagamit, kaya ang mga ito ang binabayaran.”
(The blood from donors is freely distributed to those in need. However, it goes through screening and processing, as well as the bags and equipment used, which are what incur costs.)
Likewise, the PRC has a Blood Samaritan Program for indigent patients who cannot afford the screening and processing fees due to financial constraints.
To qualify, Bamba said the patients simply need to present a certificate of indigency from their Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO). If they are endorsed by a partner agency, an endorsement letter will allow them to receive the services for free. (MJTAB/JCDR/AQA/PIA Pangasinan)
