KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato | March 18, 2026 — The Provincial Blood Bank of South Cotabato continues to strengthen its province-wide blood donation campaign, having already conducted bloodletting activities in 24 barangays this March alone, with 16 more barangays requesting similar activities before the end of the month.
This growing number reflects the increasing support and awareness of communities on the importance of voluntary blood donation, especially in ensuring a steady and reliable blood supply for hospitals in the province.
According to Emy Santillan, Donor Recruitment Officer of the Provincial Blood Bank, the expansion of the program highlights the strong partnership between the health sector and local communities.
“The fact that more barangays are requesting bloodletting activities shows that people are becoming more aware and willing to take part in saving lives through blood donation,” Santillan said.
She added that the blood bank continues to implement strategic outreach efforts to reach more communities and meet the increasing demand for blood.
“We are actively coordinating with barangay officials to bring our services closer to the people. Our goal is to collect enough blood supply to support patients in need across South Cotabato,” she explained.
Santillan further emphasized that their target is to collect blood equivalent to at least one percent of the population in each barangay, in line with health standards to maintain adequate supply.
The bloodletting drive, which recently recorded 50 successful donors held in two barangays, is part of the province’s sustained health initiative to promote volunteerism and community participation.
Globally, health authorities stress the importance of regular blood donation, as hospitals depend on donated blood for emergency response, surgeries, and treatment of various medical conditions. In the Philippines, maintaining sufficient blood supply remains a challenge, making local initiatives like South Cotabato’s expanded bloodletting program crucial in saving lives and strengthening healthcare services.
With more barangays expressing interest, the Provincial Blood Bank is expected to further widen its reach in the coming months.
South Cotabato emerged as one of the champions in bloodletting campaign province-wide as awarded by the Department of Health for consecutive years already.
