MANILA, Philippines — With the goal to help save lives, local residents in Sta. Cruz, Manila joined a blood donation drive on June 21, 2025 at the Doña Teodora Alonzo High School that was done in partnership with the Philippine Blood Center (PBC).

This blood donation drive led by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) is an ongoing effort to help those in need and to promote the value of human life. For the blood donors, this activity is a way to live out their faith through unity and compassion.

Jennifer Chang, a nurse and Donor Recruiting Officer at PBC, thanked the INC for being a consistent and vital partner in their blood donation efforts.

“The Iglesia Ni Cristo has been a partner of the Philippine Blood Center for more than a decade in helping save the lives of patients,” she said. “For the past year, the Church has held monthly blood donations together with PBC. There was a time that the INC had the highest number of blood donations, and in recent years, we’ve had quarterly donations in various INC local congregations.”

Brother Oley Ven Gutierrez, INC minister in Bambang, shared how the brethren actively prepared and participated in the event: “The brethren were happy that such an activity was held. In fact, they prepared for it early and we saw their eagerness to voluntarily donate blood,” he said.

Gutierrez also emphasized the deeper motivation behind their participation in such events. “Helping others is one of God’s important commandments. That’s why members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo strive to be of help in any way they can—even through simple means like donating blood.”

Among those who donated blood were members of the Society of Communicators and Networkers (SCAN) International in Manila.

“Saving Lives is Our Priority. This is the motto of SCAN International. During disasters, the first thing we think about is how to save lives. We apply the same goals in this blood donation—to help save lives,” explained Roderick Cardones, SCAN President of the Local Congregation of Bambang.

Those who joined the blood drive also expressed their desire to unite with the aim and mission of the INC to help their fellowmen. For them, each drop of blood donated becomes a symbol of hope, compassion, and unwavering faith in action.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo is a Christian religion and community partner that helps. It has active members and congregations in more than 160 countries and territories.

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