CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado hailed blood donors as the unsung heroes of many battles especially in life and death situations.
Alvarado likened the blood donors to modern day heroes for their generosity in sharing their blood to save lives during the National Blood Donor’s Month Celebration held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in this city, early morning today, July 13.
“Hindi maikakaila ninoman na dugo ang puhunan upang itaguyod ang maraming dakilang layunin ng sangkatauhan. Dugo rin ang inialay ng maraming bayani sa sandaigdigan upang makaalpas sa pagdaralitang dulot ng pang-aalipin, pananakop at kabuktutan ng mga diktador, panginoon at mananakop at ipinandilig sa dambana ng kagitingan upang pagningasin ang tanglaw ng kalayaan,” ani Alvarado.
The governor added that several years ago, the province only needed 50 bags of blood monthly but currently needs 2,000 bags of blood per month which resulted to an intense campaign for voluntary blood donation thus encouraging every municipality to support this drive.
Dr. Andres Bonifacio, OIC-Head of Philippine Blood Center who represented Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Gerardo V. Bayugo as the keynote speaker, emphasized the important role of blood donors and urged others to do the same.
“As we gather here today, we celebrate life and honor all the blood donors for their contributions to the community. You are all the unsung of the generation today, may you continue saving lives. Heroism is not about dying, it is about saving lives,” Bonifacio said.
There were 31 bronze galloner awardees and 166 blood galloner awardees that were given plaques of recognition.
Also, five local government units were given certificates of recognition namely Municipality of Plaridel, City Government of San Jose Del Monte, Municipality of Marilao, Municipality of Santa Maria and Brgy. Pulong Buhangin, Santa Maria.
There were also four blood partners who likewise received certificates of recognition including Bulacan State University, Ang Dating Daan, Fisher Farm Inc. and Damayang Filipino.
“Mas masarap sa pakiramdam na nakakatulong ka sa nangangailangan kahit sa maliit na paraan. Sabi nga nila, mas mabuting ikaw ang nagbibigay kesa ikaw ang bibigyan. Sa edad ko na 60, nagpapasalamat ako dahil healthy pa ako at kaya ko pang mag-donate ng dugo, kaya naman bilang pasasalamat sa Diyos, tutulong naman ako sa nangangailangan, ”Henedina David from City of San Jose Del Monte, one of the bronze blood galloner awardees, said.
Dr. Julie Reyes, OIC-Assistant Regional Director of DOH who represented Regional Director Leonita P. Gorgolon, shared good news that soon, a Regional Blood Center will rise in Maimpis, Pampanga.
Other officials and guests who graced the event were Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, PHO-Public Health Officer Dr. Jocelyn Gomez and Board Members Therese Cheryll Ople and Allan Andan among others. –Emil G. Gamos