OVER 5,000 blood units were collected at “Dugong Bombo,” a nationwide Mobile Blood Donation (MBD) campaign organized by Bombo Radyo Philippines and Philippine Red Cross (PRC) across 24 cities and provinces last Saturday, 18 November. This life-saving partnership has drawn a steady stream of blood donors annually for 17 years. The campaign is held every November to anticipate the lack of blood donors during December, when people are occupied with the Christmas holidays’ activities. This year’s theme was “A Little Pain, A Life to Gain.”

Simultaneous MBDs were held in Cauayan City, Dagupan City, Caloocan City, Legazpi City, Naga City, Vigan City, Laoag City, Baguio City, La Union, Tuguegarao, Iloilo, Bacolod City, Roxas City, Kalibo, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Tacloban City, Cagayan De Oro City, Davao City, Koronadal City, Butuan City, Dipolog City, Cotabato City, and Zamboanga City. The MBD in General Santos City was moved to 26 November due to the earthquake.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon has always underscored the importance of the Philippines having an adequate supply of blood as a preparation for medical emergencies and thanked the donors, saying: “Helping others, such as donating blood, requires regular practice. If you don’t make it a habit, you might forget about it. We extend our admiration to you! The recipients of the blood remain unknown to us, and it’s crucial for you to acknowledge that fact.”

The PRC Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang, says that an adequate supply of blood means that the country must have the number of blood units equivalent to one percent of its population.

“Dugong Bombo” was Initiated by Bombo Radyo Philippines’ Chairman, Dr. Rogelio Florete, and continued by the current CEO, Margaret Ruth C. Florete.

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