donation also reduces the risk of heart diseases and removes excess iron from the body. On June 14 as the world celebrated Blood Donors’ Day, Zamboanga City scored with a mass blood donation drive which was spearheaded by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). Over a hundred eager potential donors came to the PRC compound to give blood. Vic Liozo, Red Cross Chapter Administrator was pleased by the turn-out. The volunteers were then screened for any traces of transmittable diseases such as hepatitis B and C, malaria, syphilis and HIV. More or less 80 persons were able to share their blood, including students, government and nongovernment workers, personnel from the military and police, and eager walk-in donors. Maritess Calonge, a firsttime donor and a college student from Western Mindanao State University said that she was initially apprehensive to donate blood since she was afraid of needles. But upon hearing of its benefits, and the pleasant feeling of being able to help those in need of blood was enough to motivate her. “It was not that painful,” she said, “just like a bite from a mosquito. You just feel a little disoriented afterwards, but after that, everything’s OK.” Meanwhile, Philippine Red Cross Governor and incumbent Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat cited the need for more eager blood donors. 28
He said every day, not just in the city but all over the world, a lot of people need blood transfusions. Lobregat calls for a more intensive advocacy on blood donation. This year’s World Blood Donors’ Day theme is, “Give the gift of life: donate blood.” Tuesday, June 18, 2013