DUGO MO, DUGTONG NG BUHAY KO, A BLOOD LETTING ACTIVITY OF THE IQPAI TO SAVE LIVES
The Iloilo Quarry Permittees Association, Inc. (IQPAI) once again proved their noble goals when they organized a bloodletting activity on July 22, 2009 dubbed as “Dugo Mo, Dugtong ng Buhay Ko.”
It was a team-up effort with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Western Visayas Regional Chapter, Iloilo Provincial Government, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 6 and Environmental Management Bureau Region 6.
One hundred sixty (160) donors from the different project host communities of the IQPAI unselfishly volunteered as donors for the blood-letting held at the lobby of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
The donors’ blood undergoes a series of tests by the Philippine National red Cross to screen if the blood is healthy or fit to be used by needing patients.
This bloodletting produced 98 successful units that will be stored at the PNRC blood bank.
Thankful for the voluntarism of all the donors, the PNRC emphasized the importance of bloodletting not just once but the whole year round since there is an endless need for blood.
When asked why they thought of having such activity on top of IQPAI’s other community projects, Ms. Asuncion Cepeda, IQPAI President said that it’s something close to the hearts of the IQPAI members, that is helping save lives. She further said that the IQPAI really thinks of ways, big and small, to help others in need, and share the blessings one has. She said that bloodletting will be one of the regular activities of the IQPAI from now on.
Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada delivered the Inspiring Message of Iloilo Governor Niel D. Tupas. He thanked the IQPAI and all the agencies involved in the bloodletting stating that such activities are noble and would certainly help a lot of people whose lives are threatened and that a drop of blood can probably extend their lives.
Director Leo Van V. Juguan of the DENR-MGB congratulated the IQPAI and recognized their hard work in helping stakeholders. For an industry that’s always been noticed for negative reports, the IQPAI is helping a lot to build a more positive image of miners, he said.
The bloodletting is part of the IQPAI’s Unified Social Development and Management Plan for this year.