The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division has participated in the simultaneous blood donation drive spearheaded by the Reserve Command, Philippine Army on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
The event themed “Dugo Ko, Dugo Namin, Alay ng Hukbong Katihan sa Sambayanang Pilipino,” was conducted in collaboration with the Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG-10), Reserve Command, Philippine Army, and in partnership with the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) and the Department of Health Region 10, held at Montalvan Hall in 4ID Headquarters at Camp Evangelista, Brgy. Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.
Diamond troopers from various offices and units along with their dependents flocked at Montalvan Hall as early as 7 a.m. A total of 133 individuals successfully passed the screening and donated a total of 59,850cc of blood.
Dr. Jen Tancongco, Medical Officer 3 of the Department of Health – Cagayan de Oro, expressed profound gratitude for the Army’s initiative. She emphasized that the activity can significantly help address the persistent demand for blood, ensuring that hospitals have an ample supply of blood to save lives.
“The collective efforts of the 4ID and its partners play a crucial role in strengthening the region’s healthcare infrastructure. This joint endeavor aims to collect a targeted bag of blood, which would subsequently be turned over to the NMMC and will be used for emergencies and routine medical procedures such as those requiring transfusions, particularly cancer patients undergoing treatment,” Dr. Tancongco said.
4ID Commander Major General Jose Maria E Cuerpo II said that the Division’s commitment to donate blood to save lives aligns with the Diamond Troopers’ mandate to serve the people.
“Our dedication to donating blood exemplifies the true spirit of heroism that defines our soldiers. Each donation made by our soldiers is not just a gesture of goodwill but a powerful act of courage and selflessness. By donating blood, our soldiers take an extraordinary step toward saving lives and making a profound impact on those in need. Together, let us raise awareness of the importance of donating blood. Every bag of blood you donate can save up to three lives. Be a donor, save a life, and be a hero,” MGen Cuerpo said.
It is noteworthy that during this simultaneous activity, the 4ID has five Blood Donation Centers within its operational areas located at the following sites: 4ID Headquarters, Camp Evangelista, Brgy. Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Robinsons Butuan City, 1003CDC Headquarters, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, and SNSU Main Campus, Surigao City. These local healthcare facilities ensure a steady supply of blood for medical emergencies and routine procedures, aligning with 4ID’s campaign to serve the community.
