by Paula Nicole A. Zaldivar

BAY, LAGUNA – A bloodletting activity will be conducted at Brgy. Dila on February 25, 2012 in cooperation with Philippine Red Cross, the bloodletting will be held at Bay Central School, beside the barangay hall of Brgy. Dila.

Ms. Edna Curibot, the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS), coordinated with the Philippine Red Cross. Curibot explained that the barangay organized the second bloodletting activity inspired by the success of October 2011’s first bloodletting.

This is the second time for the barangay. Though there are still some details to be straightened out,  assured that the blood donation will happen no matter what.

Fifteen blood donors from the barangay was recorded in October last year. Several residents were willing to donate blood, however,  health complications hindered them from being qualified as a blood donor.

For this month’s bloodletting activity, the barangay aims to exceed the previous number of qualified donors. Brgy. Councilor Menard Curibot said that the teachers and staff of Bay Central School have expressed their interest of donating. He hopes that most of them will be qualified donors. Councilor Curibot explained that they are conducting house visits to encourage the resident to take part in the bloodletting.

The purpose of the blood donation is to help their ka-barangay who are in need of blood. Councilor Curibot mentioned that there was a time when they had to borrow a Blood Donors Card from the residents of other barangay when they needed blood for one of the residents of Brgy. Dila.

A Blood Donors Card is given to those who have successfully donated blood to Red Cross.  Donors can present this card to any Red Cross Blood Service Facilities with the blood request from hospital whenever he/she or any members of his family and friends need blood. Blood Donors Card holders are in priority whenever they need blood.

“Yung mga taong kailangan ng dugo dito sa amin, ‘di na kailangang lumapit pa sa ibang barangay. Kami-kami na ang magtutulungan. Marami din kasi ang nangangailangan dito, tulad nyan, may isa kaming ka-barangay na dina-dialysis,” said Councilor Curibot. Still, he emphasized that it is the donors’ prerogative if he/she would like to give help and lend his/her card.

Councilor Curibot, a donor himself said that he will be willing to lend his card since he feels like it is his moral responsibility. He explained that it will just be one of the small things he can do to help other people. He also said that aside from helping others, it will also benefit his health.

Part of the promotion of the blood donation is letting people aware of the benefits of donating blood and educating the residents about the Blood Donors Card.