"Every man must decide wether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness."

NAGA CITY embraces Blood Program

Known for its innovative programs, THE City Government of Naga headed by Mayor Jesse M. Robredo has embraced just recently the Voluntary Blood Donation Program being espoused under Republic Act 7719.
On January 6, 2009, the City Council unanimously supported the passage of City Ordinance No. 2009-002 entitled “ An Ordinance Establishing Voluntary Blood Program in the City of Naga and Appropriating Funds Thereof”. It was subsequently approved by the City Mayor on January 15, 2009.
Councilor Nathan Sergio was the principal author of the ordinance, with Councilors Lourdes Asence (Chair, Committee on Health) and Jose Mari Mercado (Chair, Committee on Barangay Affairs) as co-authors. “We aim to institutionalize the program in every barangay in Naga City, from Panicuason to Sabang and from San Isidro to Mabolo”, they said.

Among salient features of the ordinance are: (1) the grant of authority for the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with BMC; (2) the designation of BMC as main Blood Bank, with the Naga City Hospital functioning as Blood Bank; (3) the mandatory close coordination with PNRC and other hospitals in Naga City; (4) the active participation of the barangays and public health workers; (5) the creation of a Local Blood Council; (6) the establishment and maintenance of Blood Donor Registry and other related records; and (7) the initial funding of P100,000.00 for this year and regular funding thereafter in the city’s Annual Budget in such amount as are necessary.
To start the ball rolling for this program, the City Mayor issued Executive Order No. 2009-001 designating Councilor Sergio as Program Director with the tasks of performing the specific duties stated in Section 13 of the Ordinance, foremost of which is the establishment of a functional relationship with various program partners and stakeholders.
Sergio himself is an advocate of voluntary blood donation. Though a polio victim, he is a regular blood donor, giving blood two to three times a year.
Last week, Sergio met with Dr. Ray Ibarrientos, BMC-NVBSP Head, Mario Chavez—BMC Blood Program Coordinator and Ms Mina Sacdal to plan a seminar-workshop for Barangay Health Workers (BHW) and a Mobile Blood Donation this coming February, and to brainstorm on a big city event on June 14, 2009 in the occasion of World Blood Donor Day.

100% Voluntary Blood Donation

The year 2009 is a significant year for the Blood Program because of the transitional period set by the World Health Organization and the Department of Health prior to the full implementation of the 100 per cent Voluntary Blood Donation by 2010.
The Republic Act 7719 otherwise known as the “National Blood Services Act of 1994” was passed by the Philippine Congress and enacted by the Senate in 1994. The program is implemented by three players, namely: the Department of Health, the Philippine National Red Cross and the Philippine Blood Coordinating Council, with the World Health Organization setting its standards and quality assurance. Since then, the NVBSP had been struggling to come up with the best strategies and approach to promote and establish the blood program.
The Bicol Regional Blood Program, like in most part of the country has its share of ups and downs. Although we are seated on a much better position if not the best compared to any other Regional Blood Center in terms of percentage of voluntary blood collection, there is so much to be done and needed to reach the national goal in 2010. These are some of the compelling factor that makes the DOH-NVBSP appreciates the role of the BMC - NVBSP and the Regional Blood Center to the Blood Program.
Limited funds and resources are major issue that needs to be addressed. Furthermore, a Regional Collection target should be done to estimate the number of units needed in the Blood Service Facilities in the area. In relation, Naga City needs an estimated of at least 12,000 units annually. Collective efforts of the technical working personnel and network members for proper documentation and reporting shall be done in order to get the real perspective of the program.
The Bicol Medical Center Blood Bank and Transfusion Service had implemented the zero replacement policy and enforced the 100% voluntary blood collection since November 2008. It is ironic that other private hospitals within the network continue to entertain replacement and directed donation up to this date.
Another issue to be addressed is the component preparation and the appropriate use of blood by our dear physicians. This would in a way limit the unnecessary use and spoilage of blood and its component and promote rational use.
The Regional goal by 2010 of 100% voluntary blood donation needs much support and hard work. Zero replacement policy could only be done through a proper strategic planning and implementation. This should consider the Region’s geographic details, residents’ cultural diversity, resources at hand and political climate. A concerted effort to involve everyone in the community is much needed. It is only a few months before 2010 and the Department of Health’s goal maybe a dream to some, but achievable to the most Camarinenses.

MBD-Advocacy campaign on Voluntary Blood Donation

Mobile Blood Donation activity was conducted after the Seminar Workshop on Donor Recruitment, Retention and Care, attended by BHW representatives from 27 barangays of Naga, held at San Felipe Barangay Hall last March 6, 2009.