In Samar, a province in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, the blood donation activities participated in by Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members from two clusters of neighboring local congregations proved to be of assistance to the provincial health office in aiding those in need of blood. These were held at the Calbayog City Hall and Catbalogan Covered Court on May 20 and 27, 2023, respectively.

The Calbayog cluster, which was named after the province’s capital, comprises the local congregations of Calbayog City, Cabacungan, Ilo, Inoraguiao, Malayog, and Tarabucan, and some extensions, namely, Oquendo, Saljag, Cagmanipis, and Caybago. Meanwhile, the Catbalogan cluster, which was named after another city in the province, comprises the local congregations of Catbalogan, Calanyugan, Calbiga, Casandig, Hinabangan, Iguid, Motiong, Parasanon, San Jorge, Tarangnan, and Tigbawon, and the Lincoro Extension. These are all under the supervision of the Ecclesiastical District of Western Samar.

“As soon as they heard about this blood donation, many brethren eagerly volunteered to become donors,” said Warren De Guzman, resident minister of the Local Congregation of Calbayog City.

Health personnel in Calbayog City facilitated the health screening of the donors through blood typing and hemoglobin test. A total of 50 blood bags were collected. In Catbalogan City, the Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS) officers helped the provincial health officers in facilitating the same event, through which a total of 52 blood bags were collected.

“We thank the Iglesia Ni Cristo because its members are one with our aim to donate blood that will greatly help our fellowmen who need this,” said Dr. Joan Elias, on behalf of the Samar Provincial Health Office. — With reports from Cherry Esguerra of INC News Section