Red Cross lauds Laoag resort’s blood-letting initiative

Zyrill Ianna Pauline D. Pe Benito, Ph.D., Ed.D. (Contributor)

Saving lives amid the pandemic.

A mobile bloodletting activity was held recently at Brgy 38-A Mangato East in Laoag City upon the initiative of Paraiso ni Aniben, a resort located in the said barangay. The activity, carried out with the Philippine Red Cross-Ilocos Norte (PRC-IN) chapter and barangay officials, was coordinated by Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Pe Benito.

Edna Orcino, chapter administrator, expressed joy that in the middle of the pandemic, blood donation efforts continue with the strict observance of Covid-19 protocols. “Our desire to help should be over and above our fears,” Orcino stressed. She considered it heartwarming that private citizens, like the management and staff of Paraiso ni Aniben, “unselfishly take the lead in recruiting and gathering volunteers in order to maximize community participation.” From the activity, a total of 46 bags equivalent to 20,700 ml were collected.

From the targeted 5,000 units of blood for 2020, PRC-IN only actualized 80 percent equivalent to 4,012 units, which is why more private individuals, groups, and private establishments like Paraiso ni Aniben are encouraged to initiate blood-letting activities. Staff of the said resort and barangay officials were among the blood donors. Barangay 38-A Mangato East Chairperson Delia Cristobal also expressed her appreciation to Paraiso ni Aniben, which provided food and tokens for donors, for sponsoring and coordinating the activity.

Michael Pe-Benito, said that the blood-letting activity is their way of giving back to society for the blessings and graces they have received over the years. Although their business—which is part of the tourism and recreation industry most badly hit by the pandemic—is also facing challenges, he said God’s graces still allowed them to exhibit social responsibility. “No one has too little not to be able to give anything,” he added, “and blood is something that we can meaningfully share.”

The bloodletting activity also became an avenue to spread proper information about blood donation. Orcino said it is safe and healthy as PRC-IN personnel are well-trained and well equipped. Health benefits of donating blood include good health and reduced risk of cancer and hemochromatosis. It helps in reducing the risk of damage to liver and pancreas. Donating blood may help also result to improved cardiovascular health and reduced obesity.

Blood is needed by people during emergencies, including serious health problems, fires, earthquakes, typhoons, and accidents. Availability of blood could spell the difference between life and death. With blood stored in Philippine Red Cross blood banks, people are saved. The donors themselves or their loved ones may need blood sometime, and it would be to their relief that there is something ready that they can avail.

The Paraiso ni Aniben initiative has inspired other barangays and private groups to also conduct blood-letting activities in the months to come.