TARLAC CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) is encouraging the public to support voluntary blood donation in observance of National Blood Donor Month, emphasizing the need for a safe, ethical, and sustainable blood supply.
Based on reports from DOH-CLCHD, thousands of patients across Central Luzon require blood transfusions each year, underscoring the critical role of regular blood donations in restoring health and saving lives.
The call is aligned with Republic Act 7719 or the National Blood Services Act of 1994, which advocates Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation (VNRBD) or donating blood freely without expecting any form of compensation. This form of donation is considered the safest, as it carries the lowest risk of transfusion-transmissible infections, according to the World Health Organization.
Regional Voluntary Blood Services Program Manager and Central Luzon Regional Blood Center Focal Person Maria Vivian Mallari highlighted the significant increase in voluntary non-remunerated blood donations from 2020 to 2025 in Central Luzon.
As of 2024, voluntary donations have already made up 91 percent of the total blood supply in the region, with over 175,000 blood units.
“This shift tells us a powerful story. There are already many people donating, not because they have to, but because they choose to,” Mallari said.
Despite the steady rise, Mallari mentioned that there is still a remaining percentage of patients needing blood transfusion who remain unserved.
With this, she urged local government units, non-government organizations, and private sector partners to help institutionalize a culture of voluntary blood donation by mobilizing communities and promoting accurate information.
Mallari added that the public can show support by donating regularly, encouraging friends and colleagues to donate, and spreading truthful information about blood donation.
“Support the voluntary blood donation program. Be part of the movement. Be the reason someone gets a second chance at life. Magbigay ng dugo. Magbigay ng pag-asa. Sama-sama tayong magligtas ng buhay (Donate blood. Give hope. Together, let’s save lives),” she urged.
Meanwhile, she also clarified common misconceptions about the health effects of blood donation, saying that although it is not a cure for illnesses or a method of detoxification, it promotes a healthier lifestyle and a stronger sense of purpose among donors.
For more information or to coordinate blood donation activities, interested individuals and groups may visit their nearest blood collection facility or contact the Central Luzon Regional Blood Center at (045) 861-3428 or email [email protected]. (MJSC/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)