This year’s Linggo ng Kabataan celebration was marked by various activities aimed at highlighting the involvement of the youth in Manolo Fortich. Among these was the first-ever bloodletting initiative, Dugong Manoleño, which provided an opportunity for personnel of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich to donate blood. The event took place on November 20, 2024, at the New Government Center Municipal Lobby, Tankulan, Manolo Fortich.
As the host office of Dugong Manoleño, Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) Designate Alejandro B. Arenal shared the inspiration behind the initiative: “In dire need gyud ta og blood kay gakahurot na ang atong blood bank. Nindot pud ni siya nga cause which is why amo siya gi apil sa LNK (Linggo ng Kabataan). Lesser expenses siya nga activity, but great ang iyang impact. Makatabang mi sa uban nga nanginahanglan.”
LYDO partnered with the Bukidnon Provincial Health Office (PHO), Municipal Health Office (MHO), Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development - Northern Mindanao, and the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) of Barangay Tankulan to facilitate the bloodletting activity. A total of 45 blood donors from LGU Manolo Fortich participated in the event.
The collected blood bags will be sent to the Mindanao Regional Blood Center, where they will be available for release to beneficiaries in need through the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) in Cagayan de Oro City. DOH Center for Health Development - Northern Mindanao Midwife Nixon M. Jubane, who was part of the facilitation team from DOH 10, shared insights about the process and its impact.
Jubane highlighted the dual benefits of blood donation, saying, “Mabag-o jud ang daloy sa blood. Imong mga RBC (Red Blood Cells) mo replenish pud siya og bago. That’s the time na ang mga people amo gyud na silang gina advise nga mag donate sila sa ilang blood para ma healthy sila and mutaas pud ang benefits kay ang uban man gyud, ma cleanse jud ang entire blood vessels.”
Before being qualified as blood donors, participants underwent a pre-donation screening process. Their vital signs, such as blood pressure, were assessed, followed by an interview to determine if they had any illnesses, had adequate sleep prior to donation, no alcohol intake, no tattoos or piercings, or other factors that might disqualify them. Blood typing was also conducted to identify each donor’s blood type.
General Services Division (GSD) Utility Worker Ma. Lutgarda C. Rara, 55, was the first to participate. She shared the positive effects of blood donation on her health: “Gusto gyud ko maka donate kay usa jud na maayo nalang makatabang ko sa nanginahanglan or katong naay mga sakit. Advantage pud ni sa akoa na ga donate kay nabantayan nako nga akong BP dili gataas and healthy ra akong paminsar. Energetic gihapon kaayo ko.”
Editor
Date Posted: November 25, 2024