Cordillera Administrative Region- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here has strengthened its partnership with the Philippine Red Cross through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on 18 September 2023. The agreement institutionalizes the regular conduct of blood donation activity with the DSWD personnel.

“Our partnership with the Philippine Red Cross symbolizes our commitment in serving our communities. It is not just through the programs and services of the Department, but through our blood, we are willing to share to others a part of us”, DSWD FO CAR Regional Director Leo L. Quintilla shared.

Since 2021, the DSWD FO CAR has been conducting blood-letting activities with its personnel as volunteer donors.

“Hindi kasi lahat ng tao ay may kakayanan na makapag-bigay ng dugo, kaya naman dahil tayo ay pinahintulutan na gawin ito ay naisipan kong mag-donate ng dugo” Computer Maintenance Technologist Derreck Bengson shared.

Through the agreement, the DSWD Field Office CAR has established its blood service facilities which is intended solely for the use of the DSWD personnel. The PRC will also assist DSWD personnel who shall be in need of their services.

“This move is not just a means for us to extend help to those who are in need but this is also our way to assure our personnel that we are also looking into their health and well-being. We pray that no one would have to request blood from the PRC, but this is a pre-emptive measure that we have to do as this may save lives”, Director Quintilla added.

The said agreement between DSWD FO CAR and the PRC was closed by PRC Baguio Chapter Officer in Charge Jennelyn Terre, Chairperson Atty. Carlos Canilao represented by Mr. Ryan Mangosan and DSWD FO CAR Regional Director Leo L. Quintilla, Assistant Regional Director for Administration, and Chief Administrative Officer Rina Claire Reyes. The partnership will run through September 2024.# DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, NERIZZA FAYE G. VILLANUEVA-TRINIDAD