Balbalan, Pasil named 2012 Sandugo awardees

By Geraldine G. Dumallig

TABUK CITY, Kalinga, -- The municipalities of Pasil and Balbalan of Kalinga were recently named  Sandugo awardees for 2012 for their contribution in the National Voluntary Blood Services Program.

According to Lilibeth Dimas NVBSP coordinator of the Provincial Health Office the two municipalities were recognized for their consistent blood donation activities.

Based on provincial blood collection rate in 2012, Pasil and Balbalan topped with a rating of 16.60 percent and 11.05 percent, respectively.

The two were also noted to have been consistent with their record  in  2011  and the first three quarters of 2013.

Dimas said that the government through Republic Act 7719 also known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994 is encouraging blood donation activities involving the different local government units, government agencies and civil society groups to ensure an adequate, safe, affordable and equitable distribution of blood and blood products in the country.

Voluntary blood donation she said is also being advocated as one way to de-commodify  blood and blood services towards the phasing out of commercial blood banks.