Tabuk City, Kalinga – Emphasizing the critical importance of voluntary blood donation, Provincial Blood Council (PBC) Chairman Dr. Edward Tandingan underscored that there is no synthetic substitute for human blood. Highlighting its vital role—from emergency transfusions to supporting patients with chronic conditions—he urged the public to donate regularly, stressing that a steady blood supply is essential for hospitals and medical facilities to meet the health needs of the province.
Dr. Tandingan made the statement in an interview during the Kalinga PBC meeting on November 25 at M Hotel in Magsaysay, Tabuk City. He reiterated that blood donation saves lives and that no artificial fluid can replace it, adding that voluntary donation is safe, unlike the buying and selling of blood.
“Ti blood donation, it’s a lifeline. Awan ngay ti dextrose nga kasla nga dara—there is no synthetic fluid that you can give nga substitute ti blood. So the need for blood donation—voluntary blood donation. And that is healthy—awan met ti disadvantages basta tama ang procedures and hindi tangkilikin yung mga laboratory scam, yung mga tumatanggap ng nagbebenta ng dugo, wala naman na sigurong ganun,” he said.
The PBC chairman shared updates on the province’s blood donation efforts, reporting a total collection of 2,870 units of blood from January to September this year. He clarified that some donors gave more than once, meaning the number of units collected does not directly equate to the number of individual donors.
“The target of the blood donation program is 1% of the total population—so 1% of our projected population of 244,554 for 2025. But the number of units does not equal the number of people because some donors donated twice,” he explained.
He also noted that blood demand varies depending on medical cases and emergencies, making it important for the province to collect more than the minimum requirement.
To address potential shortages, Kalinga maintains a network with other provinces to ensure continued access and availability during high-demand periods.
“In cases nga maibusan ti banks—kaya nga tayo naka-network sa other provinces. So the networking na-approach in making the blood supply more stable is through networking. So haan tayo nga isolated and that’s the nature kasi of health work—it’s borderless so the need for working and in collaboration with our neighbors as it will help ensure the availability, access and sufficiency of blood,” Dr. Tandingan added.
Addressing Misconceptions
Dr. Tandingan acknowledged that misconceptions about blood donation continue to discourage potential donors, particularly fears of becoming anemic. He clarified that strict eligibility and medical screening ensure the safety of every donor.
The PBC chairman concluded by urging more individuals—including senior high school students—to participate in blood donation drives.
“… main component of the program is the education part so that people would understand the meaning daytoy program—the need to donate,” he said.
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