BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO

Cancer patients, survivors, and advocates gathered in Baguio City to take part in a blood donation drive organized by the Philippine Red Cross in celebration of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.

One of the participants was Rosavilla Tiday, a cancer patient from Alaminos, Pangasinan.

After being diagnosed with throat cancer, she chose to undergo treatment in Baguio where she says the care has been exceptional.

“All the services are good here in Baguio. The doctors and nurses are kind, you can really feel that they care for you,” she said.

She added that receiving blood for her operation was never a problem, something she’s especially grateful for.

For Dominga Tsunago, however, the experience was different.

She struggled to find a blood donor when she was diagnosed with leukemia and had to source blood from another province.

“It was hard,” she recalled. “We had to go to the Red Cross and still pay for it. Luckily, someone donated and that’s how I survived.”

Their stories reflect the constant need for blood donations across the country.

In Baguio, the Red Cross aims to collect at least 20 bags of blood to serve patients not just in the city but in nearby provinces like Pangasinan.

“This day reminds us of the importance of our services and the value of giving,” said April Joy Roque, a medical technician with the Red Cross Baguio Chapter.

“Our blood supply usually drops during dengue season or right after Holy Week when people avoid injury because of religious traditions,” she added.

Among the donors was Jonathan Gambao, who said he donates “to save lives and to help others.” He added, “I’m happy knowing that someone in need will always have blood available.”

Roque also explained that donors benefit too: “When you donate, it helps your body replenish and that’s good for your health.”

The Baguio Red Cross office remains open daily to accommodate those who want to help save lives through blood donation.