The Department of Health in Western Visayas has called on all government agencies, private sectors, partner agencies and other stakeholders to continue supporting the blood donation program and services by conducting regular voluntary blood donations.

DOH 6 Human Resource Head Dr. Sophia Pulmones said during a program held at SM City on June 14 in line with the celebration of the World Blood Donors Day here in this city that voluntary blood donation is embodied in Republic Act 7719 or the National Blood Services Act of 1994.

RA 7719 promotes voluntary blood donation providing for an adequate supply of safe blood, regulating blood banks and providing penalties thereof.

Pulmones said the DOH 6 also continues to uphold and support the conduct of bloodletting activities in the local government units of the different provinces, cities and municipalities in the region in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross, Western Visayas Medical Center and other partners in the private and public sectors.

"I take this opportunity to appeal to the people in Western Visayas to continue their undying support in promoting and implementing the Blood Donation Services as we celebrate the promise of the gift of blood for a blessed life", said Pulmones as she stressed the importance of the participation of the community and the collaborating efforts of the different sectors in the enhancement of the voluntary regular blood donation and strengthening of the supply of blood needed for those who seek treatment.

She said the theme of the 2012 World Blood Donor Day campaign, "Every blood donor is a hero" focuses on the idea that all of us can become a hero and must possess a heart of a hero by sharing that life saving gift of blood.

"This day we recognize all the silent and unsung heroes who save lives everyday through their blood donations, as we strongly encourage all of us here and to more people from all walks of life all over the world to donate blood voluntarily and regularly," said Pulmones.

According to Pulmones evidence from around the world showed that voluntary unpaid donors are the foundation of safe blood supply for they are the least likely to transmit potentially life threatening infections such as HIV and hepatitis viruses to their blood recipients.

Aside from the program, a series of events will further highlight the celebration in this city to reinforce that donating blood is a heroic life-saving act of solidarity. These activities include a booth display at SM City ground floor until June 17, blood donation activity at the West Visayas State University Campus on June 15, Donor Recruitment training for the 143 Philippine Red Cross volunteers on June 25-26, and advocacy on blood safety, HIV prevention and healthy lifestyle.

PRC-Iloilo Chapter officers led by its Chairman Ramon Cua-Locsin, DOH 6 Regional Blood Program Coordinator Dr. Edgardo Silva, Iloilo Provincial Blood Coordinator Dr. Robert Ponje, Haplos –Iloilo Chapter Adviser and Hematologist Consultant Dr. Mary Giselle Alfeche, and the newly inducted officers of the Iloilo Blood Coordinating Council with their President Dr. Judith Jimeno attended the program.*PIA