Pampanga governor wants incentives for blood donors

Friday 13th of July 2012

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 13 (PIA) -- The governor of Pampanga said incentives must be given to donors to strengthen blood-letting activities in the province.

“If we want to strengthen blood donation in the country, we must motivate even indigents to participate through incentives,” said Governor Lilia G. Pineda during Monday’s kick-off of the observance of Blood Donor’s Month.

Pineda said Pampanga is fortunate because it was the chosen host of this national event that promotes awareness on the significance of donating blood.

The provincial chief executive said that even a hero needs not only the honor of being called a savior but a hero needs incentives and assistance that the government could provide to address their own personal needs.

“With this incentive scheme, we can persuade and educate more poor particularly the poorest of the poor to join this heroic advocacy,” Pineda said.

The governor said the provincial government is willing to give free hospitalization and medication for the family of a donor every time he donates blood.

“We are willing to give assistance to the blood donor or his family in terms of free hospitalization as a way of recognition of his heroism and volunteerism,” Pineda said.

Gwendolyn Pang, secretary general of Philippine National Red Cross (PRC) commended the proposal of the governor, adding that this is a good addition to what they have been giving to their blood donors.

“PRC has been giving discount cards for donors when they are in need of blood and the proposal of Governor Pineda will inspire more people to donate,” Pang said.

Dr. Leonita Gorgolon, Department of Health-Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD) Central Luzon director, lauded the efforts of the governor to address health problems in Pampanga and they appreciate the proposed incentive methods of the governor to attract more blood donors.

“We are very grateful to Governor Pineda for her extensive health programs and we will study her proposal for blood donors”, Gorgolon said. (CLJD with reports from Jenna V. Lumbang, PIO Pampanga)