Department of Health Northern Mindanao Regional Director Sulpicio Henry M. Legaspi Jr. joins Department of Health Undersecretary Gloria J. Balboa and participants in the World Blood Donor Day 2026 advocacy run along Rio de Oro Boulevard in Cagayan de Oro City on June 14. The activity promotes voluntary blood donation and raises awareness of the need for a safe and adequate blood supply. (Photo: ZRD/PIA-10)
TheMonitorMindanaoToday.com | DOH pushes for proactive blood donation system
By Gabriel D. Andres
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Health officials called for stronger public participation and a more resilient voluntary blood donation system to help ensure a safe and adequate blood supply across the country during the 2026 World Blood Donor Day celebration on June 14 in this city.
The observance, which drew around 500 participants to an advocacy run along Rio de Oro Boulevard, underscored the continuing need to recruit regular blood donors, strengthen emergency preparedness, and expand access to safe blood services, particularly in underserved communities.
The campaign aligns with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s efforts to improve healthcare access and strengthen public health systems, with voluntary blood donation remaining a critical component of emergency response and lifesaving medical care.
In a message delivered by Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Gloria J. Balboa, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa emphasized the need to engage more Filipinos, especially the youth, in regular voluntary blood donation.
“We must encourage young people to become regular blood donors, build resilient blood systems for emergencies and disasters, and ensure equitable access to safe blood services for all Filipinos, especially in underserved communities,” Herbosa said.
Balboa said voluntary non-remunerated blood donation remains the foundation of a safe and sustainable blood supply.
She also paid tribute to blood donors, describing them as modern-day heroes whose contributions help save lives every day. “To our volunteer blood donors, you are the true heroes of today’s celebration. Your simple act of donating blood gives families another chance, gives patients renewed strength, and gives communities hope,” Balboa said.
Philippine Red Cross Assistant Secretary General Monina M. Nalupta said every blood donation is an act of compassion that can make a difference during emergencies and medical crises.
“At the core of blood donation is an act of love. It is a simple yet extraordinary gesture that transforms empathy into action and compassion into survival,” Nalupta said.
She said the effectiveness of blood services depends not only on the volume of blood collected but also on the ability to respond quickly when lives are at risk.
Nalupta also cited the Philippine Red Cross response to a recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Southern Mindanao, during which more than 250 units of blood were distributed to six frontline hospitals after local supplies were depleted.
The City Government of Cagayan de Oro, which hosted the national celebration and the 13th National Blood Summit, also reaffirmed its support for voluntary blood donation and other life-saving health initiatives.
City Administrator Roy Hilario Raagas said the gathering reflected a shared commitment among government agencies, healthcare institutions, and volunteers to strengthen the country’s blood donation program.
“It is our honor to host the 2026 World Blood Donor Day celebration and the 13th National Blood Summit here in our city. This gathering is more than an event. It is a shared commitment to save lives and promote a strong culture of voluntary blood donation,” Raagas said.
He added that the city remains committed to advancing inclusive health programs under its RISE CDO Development Agenda.
The DOH Northern Mindanao Regional Blood Center promotes voluntary blood donation in the region, encourages donors to visit or coordinate with the center at the DOH regional office compound in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. (GDA/PIA-10)
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