15/08/2024
The Department of Health Central Luzon Center for Health Development, led by Regional Director Dr. Corazon Flores with Assistant Regional Director Dr. Lailani Mangulaban, conducted the Regional Sandugo Awarding Ceremony at Royce Hotel, Clark, Pampanga on July 30, 2024. The event convened Provincial, City, and Municipal Health Officers; Development Management Officers from Provincial DOH Offices; and Provincial, City, Municipal Program Coordinators and Lead Blood Service Facilities.
In attendance were Atty. Lyonel Aragon, representing the Aurora Governor; Mayor Danilo Tolentino of Dipaculao, Aurora; and Mayor Joe Grospe of Dilasag, Aurora. From Bataan, attendees included Mayor Nelson David of Limay, Councilor Maya Bongco of Orani, and Councilor Erval Flores of Samal. Nueva Ecija was represented by Mayor Roberto Agdipa of Pantabangan, Mayor Hanna Katrina Andres of Rizal, Mayor Eufemia Domingo of Ligas, Mayor Imee De Guzman of Sto. Domingo, Mayor Ronnie Roy Pascual of Gapan City, and Mayor Mario Salvador of San Jose City. Tarlac was represented by Mayor Venustiano Jordan of La Paz, Mayor Elma Macadamia of San Clemente, and Vice Mayor Jocelyn Punzalan. Dr. Luis Esguerra and Ms. Jenny Cruz attended, representing Mexico, Pampanga. From Zambales, SBM Honorable Mario Cabbab of San Marcelino and Mayor Irenea Binan of Iba were also present.
Regional Director Flores, in her opening message, underscore the importance of the awarding. She honors the commitment given by everyone and emphasized the collective effort required to ensure the success of blood donation initiatives, "Your commitment and passion are what drive us towards our goals."
Dr. Janet T. Miclat, Family Health Cluster Head, introduced the keynote speaker, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, who highlighted the DOH's mission to save lives by ensuring a stable supply of blood. She recognized the importance of the awarding ceremony in improving blood services to Filipinos, saying, "This action is a continued call to agencies and health government units to increase blood donation. To fully achieve our plan, we need everyone. Napakahalaga po na regular tayong nakakaimbak ng dugo para sa ating kababayan. Let our supply of blood be not just a privilege, but a right for everyone."
Subsequently, Aurora Provincial Health Officer Dr. Myrna Nicer spoke about the commitment to blood adequacy in Aurora Province, she then proceeded to encourage Central Luzon provinces, expressing, "We strive towards a future where no one in our provinces should ever face insufficient blood supply."
Short after, Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to LGU partners and lead blood service facilities for their efforts in ensuring the provision of blood and blood products. The awards presented included Most Driven Kadugo/Katuwang of the Year, Top 3 Most Outstanding Kadugo/Katuwang of the Year, Top 3 Star Kadugo/Katuwang of the Year. Sandugo Major Awards were also given to local government units supporting the voluntary blood donation program by achieving 1% of the total population collected blood through community-based Voluntary Blood Donations.
After the awarding, the event concluded with a message from Assistant Regional Director Mangulabnan, who shared that the awarding highlights the vital role that each individual and organization plays in ensuring a safe and adequate blood supply. She also underscored the shared responsibility of improving community health. By recognizing outstanding contributions and fostering a spirit of collaboration, the event reaffirmed the commitment to advancing public health and meeting the critical needs of the community. "With renewed energy and commitment we got today, and having that in mind, surely, we will achieve better health outcomes."
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