The Philippine Army (PA) announced that it has collected over 6,000 blood bags during its National Heroes’ Day donation drive held simultaneously in 171 centers nationwide on Sunday.

“A total of 6,215 blood bags were collected from Army personnel, reservists, ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) cadets, Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) members, and civilian donors. According to medical experts, each bag of donated blood can help save up to three lives,” PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a statement Monday.

He added that this activity is part of the Army’s “Dugo Ko, Dugo Namin Alay ng Hukbong Katihan sa Sambayanang Pilipino” campaign.

Dema-ala said the PA partnered with various hospitals and organizations for this event. Among those who joined the blood donation drive was Army chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.

“The PA-wide donation drive is geared at sustaining an ample blood supply that will address the demand for blood as a life-saving fluid for Army personnel and ensure the need for sufficient blood reserves during large-scale force mobilization in times of emergency. With a respective 70 percent-30 percent distribution for the public and the Army, the drive aims to contribute to the country’s blood reserves,” he added.

Dema-ala earlier said that they were targeting a total of 50,723 blood donors from PA personnel, reservists, dependents, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets, and stakeholders. (PNA)