ON National Heroes Day, Army soldiers bled for a humanitarian cause.
The Philippine Army on Sunday spearheaded a simultaneous blood donation activity for the benefit of the soldiers and their respective communities.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido personally led the affair by donating his own blood.
The Army’s 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10thID) collected a total of 367 blood bags from 534 military donors.
“The event saw a strong turnout of soldiers, reservists, and ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) cadets, all dedicated to addressing the blood needs of military personnel, their families, and the wider community,” said Maj. Ruben Gadut, spokesman of the 10th ID.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our soldiers, reservists, and especially the ROTC cadets, who demonstrated their commitment to public service and patriotism,” said Col. Julito Garay, director of the 11th Regional Community Defense Group.
“The collected blood will be used for 10thID personnel, reservists, military dependents, and their families, as well as for treating battle casualties. It will also be stored in our blood bank for future emergencies,” he added
10thID commander Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala commended the Agila troopers for their contribution to the blood donation drive, emphasizing the unit’s commitment to the health and welfare of the military community. This event underscores the 10ID’s dedication to both defense and humanitarian service, he said.
For its part, the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division collected 634 bags of blood equivalent to 285,300 cc.
The activity was also simultaneously conducted across various brigades under the Joint Task Force Central, including the 601st Brigade in Brgy. Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur; the 602nd Brigade in Brgy. Nasapian, Carmen, North Cotabato; the 603rd Brigade in Brgy. Milbuk, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; and the 1st Mechanized Brigade in Brgy. Kalandagan, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.
“The success of this blood donation drive reflects the Army’s commitment not only to defending the country, but also to contributing to the health and welfare of our communities,” said 6th Division commander Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.
The event was part of National Heroes’ Day commemoration by the Philippine Army.
