DFA Conducts Life-Giving Blood Donation Drive

(From left to right) Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Administration J. Eduardo Malaya, Philippine Red Cross Team Leader Dr. Edmundo N. Marra, Atty. Susan Phoebe Sabado, and Ms. Jean Alia Robles during the blood donation drive at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 04 February 2021. (Photo by DFA-OPCD Philip Fernandez)

PASAY CITY 04 February 2021 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., kicked off the Valentine month of February with a blood donation drive with the theme "Love in the Time of CoVid" at the DFA’s Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini Thursday.

A total of 41 DFA personnel took part in the activity. In line with the efforts to combat COVID-19, screening for potential convalescent plasma donors was also undertaken.

The activity was organized by the DFA Human Resources Management Office and the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). A seven-person team came over, led by Dr. Edmundo N. Marra.

“This blood donation drive is the DFA’s response to the urgent call of the Philippine Red Cross to provide life-giving blood. In this Valentine month of February, there is perhaps no better way to show our compassion and love for our fellow Filipinos than by donating one’s own blood and in the process, ensure that our blood banks are always able to meet the needs of Filipino patients,” said Undersecretary for Administration J. Eduardo Malaya.

The activity strictly adhered to health protocols, notably the thorough sanitation of the venue, observance of physical distancing, wearing of face masks, and other preventive measures.

This is the second time that the DFA, in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross, has organized a blood drive since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The first blood drive was held on 22 July 2020. END

Blood donors queue for registration and assessment during the blood donation drive at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 04 February 2021.   (Photo by DFA-OPCD Philip Fernandez)

DFA personnel donate blood during the bloodletting activity at the Department of Foreign Affairs on 04 February 2021. (Photo by DFA-OPCD Philip Fernandez)