Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines | November 2, 2025—The Provincial Government of South Cotabato continues to sustain the success of its Blood Letting Program, ensuring that blood transfusion and processing remain free for patients admitted to public hospitals across the province.
According to Noel Fuscablo, Project Evaluation Officer, 190 out of 199 barangays have achieved the 1 percent blood donation target, while four barangays exceeded expectations with 6 percent blood donation.
“South Cotabateños have embraced the spirit of voluntary blood donation. Our barangays, local officials, and health workers continue to show unity and compassion in saving lives,” Fuscablo said.
As of September 2025, more than 20,000 blood donors have participated, and 11,000 blood units have been collected through the province’s continuous bloodletting activities.
“With these achievements, we are not only maintaining a sufficient blood supply but also strengthening the trust of our communities in public health programs,” Fuscablo added.
This initiative, implemented under the Free Hospitalization Program of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., covers all public hospitals—the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital and Norala District Hospital—where admitted patients no longer need to pay for blood transfusion and processing.
For patients in private hospitals, the South Cotabato Blood Bank collects only a minimal processing fee to cover mandatory tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis, and malaria. Through existing agreements, private hospitals in South Cotabato and Davao coordinate directly with the blood bank to ensure fast and efficient access to blood.
To make blood services even more accessible, the Provincial Blood Council is also strengthening partnerships with private organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross and other potential stakeholders. These collaborations aim to improve monitoring, response, and coordination across hospitals and communities.
“We want to make blood services easier and faster to access, especially in emergencies. Strengthening our partnerships with the Red Cross and other private partners ensures that no patient is left waiting when blood is needed,” Fuscablo emphasized.
Through these collective efforts, South Cotabato continues to set the standard in voluntary blood donation and lifesaving health programs, ensuring that every drop of blood counts for the people of the province.
