The Dugtong Buhay Movement, founded and headed by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman, is set to conduct today, 8 October 2024, a joint bloodletting activity at the Naval Station, Ernesto Ogbinar, Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union.

 

The Dugtong Buhay Movement is composed of the DBM, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Red Cross,  in partnership with the  Philippine National Police, the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and the Provincial Government of La Union.

 

The activity aims to collect blood donations from volunteers from various agencies to be able to provide help to anyone in need, especially those who are sick  and/or need blood transfusion. This is especially because the latest data from the Department of Health shows that the recorded cases of dengue this year have reached 208,000, which is 68 percent higher than in 2023.

 

The bloodletting activity is part of the Bagong Pilipinas directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to assist those in need, consistent with the commitment of Budget Secretary to help our kababayans, especially during emergencies. It is also in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 7719, known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994, which promotes voluntary blood donation to ensure its safe and sufficient supply,

 

Around 400 individuals are expected to join the event as donors.