In a bid to ensure that no patient in the community is denied of life-saving blood due to lack of access and financial constraints, the City Government of Bago, through its Primary Care Facility, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Red Cross for the implementation of the Blood Samaritan Fund program in the city, a press release from Bago PIO said.
Bago Mayor Mayette Javellana signed the agreement with Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental – Bacolod City Chapter chairman Carlos Ganihong and Chapter administrator Rita Benita Mirasol at the Community Center on May 6.
They were joined by Councilor Robert Javellana, who is also a director of the Philippine Red Cross – Negros Occidental, and City Health Officer Dr. Ferdinand Ramon Mayoga.
Javellana, in her message, said the agreement signing for the Blood Samaritan Fund under the banner of Give Blood Bago is a big dream come true and a milestone for the city.
“We are making a powerful promise that no life in this city will be left without hope when it truly matters the most,” she said, stressing that “blood is life and in every drop that is willingly given, there’s courage, compassion, and love.”
The program, the mayor said, is a reminder that heroism does not always wear uniform, sometimes it simply rolls up a sleeve and chooses to give.
“As a city mayor, I stand here very inspired with the spirit of every Bagonhon who’s willing to take part in this mission. Through this partnership, we’re building not just a stronger health system but a community that looks after one another where kindness flows as free as the blood that saves lives,” she added.
The Philippine Red Cross operates a network of blood service facilities nationwide, with capabilities to make blood readily available to patients in need and prioritize issuance of blood to members, their dependents and referrals.
Under the agreement, the local government has allocated funds for the Blood Samaritan Program of the Philippine Red Cross. The two parties shall have mutual coordination in facilitating financial assistance among indigent patients.
For his part, Ganihong said the partnership is a powerful expression of what can be achieved when public service and humanitarian action move hand in hand.
He underscored that many are facing life-threatening situations and urgently need blood. For many of them, the challenge is not only availability but also affordability.
“The Blood Samaritan Fund exists precisely to bridge that gap – ensuring that financial limitation will never stand between the patient and the gift of life,” he said, adding that the agreement strengthens the lifeline for the most vulnerable members of the community.
Also present during the MOA signing were City Legal Officer Edward Joseph Cuansing, Medical Officer IV Arianne Angeli Panisa, Medical Officer III Dr. Kevin Valdez, and Medical Technologist III Glenly Casona, among other personnel of the Primary Care Facility.*
