With a strong message of gratitude and life-saving advocacy, the Sagay government held its local Sandugo Awarding ceremony July 31 at the city gymnasium, to recognize the unwavering support of blood donors, community partners, and barangays in the city’s blood donation program.
The annual event, organized by the City Health Office, and led by Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr., CHO head Dr. Oscar Jimenea and medical team, highlighted the efforts of individuals and groups, who contributed to saving lives through regular blood donation.
Among the Top 10 Performing Barangays for 2024 in the National Voluntary Blood Services Program were Puey, Lopez Jaena, Tadlong, Poblacion 2, Rafaela Barrera, Poblacion 1, Colonia Divina, Baviera, Maquiling, and Old Sagay.
The city also awarded its key blood program partners for their continued support and collaboration.
These included the Dalusan-MVKO Masonic Lodge, Sagay Water District, the 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion, the LODIFI Hospital, Alfredo E. Marañon Sr. Memorial District Hospital, and Batch 1997 of Sagay National High School.
Romar Gonzales of Brgy. Baviera was honored for giving blood a hundred times, the highest among all donors, the city said in a press release Aug. 1.
Other multi-time donors from various barangays were also recognized, with many having donated over 30, 40, or even 70 times.
The CHO also commended barangays that met their annual blood collection targets.
These were Baviera, Colonia Divina, Lopez Jaena, Maquiling, Old Sagay, Poblacion 1, Poblacion 2, Puey, Rafaela Barrera, and Tadlong, along with their barangay captains and assigned midwives, who helped mobilize local efforts.
Pedro Marande, a recognized blood donor from Brgy. Paraiso, said that blood donation is a fulfilling experience, because in the process, you are saving lives.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Keisha Yvonne Tampus, medical officer IV, expressed deep gratitude to all blood donors, barangay leaders, city officials, and the CHO team.
“We hope that more Sagaynons will be inspired to participate in this program in the coming years because every drop of blood you give is a drop of life for someone in need,” she added. ||
