“We think only of those who respond to emergencies but whatever our jobs may be, we can also be life savers” VG Odiem reminds PLGU employees that public service save lives too

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Every government employee can become a life saver through genuine and responsive public service, according to Vice Governor Atty. Dave Q. Odiem.

Odiem made the reminder during the Provincial Government of Kalinga’s flag-raising ceremony at the Kalinga Sports Center in Bulanao, Tabuk City on September 21, coinciding with the province’s observance of Life Saver’s Day.

He said the term “life saver” should not be limited to people who respond to disasters, accidents or medical emergencies. Government employees can also make a difference by helping people who come to their offices seeking assistance.

For Odiem, helping a constituent resolve a problem affecting their family, barangay or community can already be a form of saving a life.

He also reminded employees that faith should be accompanied by good deeds, particularly in the performance of their duties as public servants.

The vice governor’s message came as the provincial government continues to promote blood donation as another direct way of saving lives.

Blood supply remains a concern

The importance of blood donation is underscored by the continuing gap between blood collection and demand in Kalinga.

According to a recent report by Guru Press Cordillera, citing Philippine Red Cross-Kalinga Chapter Administrator Raymund Mario Chan, the chapter collected 1,745 blood units from January to August 2026, but the supply remains insufficient for the needs of patients in local hospitals. The chapter had also provided 1,581 blood bags to 653 patients, including 336 indigent patients.

Chan said the province is targeting blood donations equivalent to 1% of its population, but noted that a patient may require more than one unit, making regular donations important in maintaining an adequate supply.

At the national level, the Philippine Red Cross reported that it collected 588,575 blood units in 2024, distributed 608,484 blood bags and served 301,852 patients. The PRC said voluntary donors account for almost half of the country’s blood supply.

The province itself recorded 5,015 blood units collected in 2024, according to the provincial government.

During the September 21 Life Saver’s Day bloodletting activity, 89 blood units were collected through the provincial government and its partner organizations.

The figures reinforce Odiem’s message that public service can take many forms—from responding to emergencies to simply helping a person who walks into a government office seeking assistance.

For the people they serve, he reminded employees, doing their work sincerely and helping where they can may already be a life-saving act.