MRH, ZSMC, prov’l gov't, 9RCDG ink MOA to reinforce blood donation efforts

 By Gideon C. Corgue

PAGADIAN CITY, March 17--- Margosatubig Regional Hospital (MRH), Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center (ZSMC), Provincial Government and 9th Regional Community Defense Group (9RCDG)signed a memorandum of agreement recently at Pavilion Hall, barangay Dao here.

Divina Grace Yu, the representative of the first district of this province was impressed by the partnership conducted by government agencies to facilitate blood letting programs.

In her message during the Philippine Army-Wide Blood Donation Drive, Congresswoman Yu, who is also a reservist of the 9RCDG and who has the rank of LtColonel said, the MOA signing ceremony entered  by the government agencies is an initiative made by the government to support their regular blood letting activity.

Yu said that the partnership made by government agencies stipulates that 30% of the blood collected from blood donors will be donated to the beneficiaries.

She added that one of the important provisions of the MOA which is the screening fee of P1,500 is now free because it will be shouldered by the provincial government.

It can be recalled that it has become a policy of the Philippine Red Cross that the screening fee collected by blood banks is for donor screening and education, blood collection and testing.

The congresswoman appreciated the commendable initiative undertaken by the local government and it will be easier for those who need blood since the screening fee is free.

Yu also thanked the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets who actively participated in the blood letting activity by drawing blood to save the lives of people who need it, especially the poor and cannot afford to buy blood during an emergency. (jcc/The Pagadian Times)