CABANATUAN CITY – The need to observe health protocols, which they followed, did not bar employees of an irrigation agency to give out blood for saving others’ lives.
This, as the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System joined the National Irrigation Administration’s nationwide blood donation activity called Dugtong Buhay ni Bong 2 at the Farmers’ Training Center here on Monday.
NIA-UPRIIS department manager Engr. Rosalinda Bote said at least 22 bags of blood were collected through the Philippine Red Cross from their employees.
Six medical volunteers from PRC led by Dr. Emiliano G. Perez, Jr. facilitated and administered the conduct of the activity, Bote said.
The donors who came from different division offices of UPRIIS underwent initial screening and filled out blood donor interview sheets before they proceeded to the final and overall evaluation conducted by Dr. Perez to identify who among them were eligible to donate blood in the program.
This process was also being conducted to ensure the safety and quality of blood as it will be used for patients whose lives are dependent on blood transfusion. Of 38 registrants, 22 employees passed the final screening, donating one bag with 450cc of blood per employee.
“Although there were some restrictions and downsizing of participants due to Covid-19, partakers showcased their eagerness to continue in blood donation as a simple way of sending hope and compassion for those who will benefit from it aside from upholding and committing in the agency’s corporate social Responsibility,” Bote said.
The activity coincided with NIA administrator Ricardo Visaya’s thanksgiving.
After the program, engineering and operations division manager Vivencia Dela Cruz, Division I manager Felix L. Teaño, and other UPRIIS personnel sent off the medical practitioners and extended their appreciation to them for the services they rendered towards the success of this noble undertaking.
