PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija — “I am glad that you [INC] have a program like this, where those in need of blood can receive it,” exclaimed Madel Santiago, a security officer from Macatbong, as she witnessed hundreds of Nueva Ecija residents coming together for the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Blood Donation Drive at the Nueva Ecija Sports Coliseum on March 8, 2025.

At least 116 blood bags were collected from over 200 blood donors who attended the event that day. The INC conducted the blood donation in collaboration with the Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (DPJGMRMC).

Brother Anterio Fermin, an INC minister overseeing the event, reported that 205 registered to donate blood that day. Those who enlisted for the blood donation underwent a strict medical screening process to ensure they were eligible to donate and that their blood would be safe for recipients.

Madel was among those who were inspired to donate blood for the first time. Like all the other potential blood donors, she had to undergo the required stringent medical screening process. 

The organizers of the INC blood drive ensured that all donations met the highest safety and quality standards.

Dr. Mark Amiel Gomez of DPJGMRMC explained how the INC’s blood donation activities have a far-reaching impact since they are able to help many.

“Blood is separated into components so that the components can be given to different people,” he said.

The INC’s commitment to these humanitarian efforts is rooted in the Christian teaching to “do good to those who need it,” said Brother Luisito Rivera, the INC Supervising Minister in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

The INC Blood Donation Drive aims to inspire and help people in need, not only in the Philippines but around the world. “This drive is part of our efforts in many different parts of the world, including America, the United Kingdom, and Europe,” explained Brother Samuel Justin Nabong, a blood donor born and raised in Birmingham, England, and currently serving as an INC Ministerial Worker in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) is a Christian religion with active members in over 160 countries and territories, representing more than 150 nationalities and ethnicities. As a committed community partner, the Church fulfills both its Christian and civic duties by helping those in need through acts of kindness and outreach events, strengthening the bond between its global congregations and the communities they serve.

For more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) and its activities, please visit www.iglesianicristo.net