PAGADIAN CITY, October 5 (PIA) – Blood
donation saves lives. And since the need for blood is great, Reserved Officer
Training Corps (ROTC) cadets of Southern Mindanao Colleges (SMC) responded to
the call in a bloodletting activity which was held at the SMC Main Campus here
over the weekend.
Dr. Mae Lyn Estrada, team leader of the
Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Zamboanga del Sur chapter said of the 25 cadets
screened, only 22 were allowed to donate since three of them were found with
low hemoglobin.
Each cadet donated 450cc or a total of 9,900cc
for the 22 bags collected during the bloodletting activity.
Mr. Victor M. Asuelo, SMC Dean of
Student Affairs and PRC Director said the program was jointly undertaken by
SMC, Alpha Phi Omega (APO) International Collegiate Service Fraternity and
Sorority, the Rotary Club of Pagadian West and the Interact Club.
Ms. Arnella Marianeta A. Bontong, a PRC
staff also donated blood because some patients come to their office without a donor,
so it is one way of helping those patients. “Aside from cleansing, in my own
little way, I can be of help by donating blood to those in need,” Bontong said.
Meanwhile, 3 APO ROTC cadets namely:
Melvin dela Calzada, Walter Cabanos and Jeric dela Cruz also donated blood as part of its “APO Cares,
APO Shares” program. More bloodletting activities will be done next semester to
help patients who need blood. (JPA/ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)