The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in Dagupan City is appealing for donors as it experiences a critical shortage of blood supply.

Kevin Campos, a resident of Barangay Naguilayan in Binmaley, Pangasinan, visited the PRC office on January 16, 2025 to donate blood for his ailing father.

“May sakit sa puso ['yung papa ko], dati diabetic, ngayon may tinitingnan sa puso niya,” Kevin shared.

According to Mae Dianne Alano, Quality Assurance Officer of PRC-Pangasinan Chapter, the blood bank’s low supply is alarming.

“Alarming po siya para sa mga pasyente na nangangailangan ng dugo, lalo na mga dialysis patient,” she said.

The PRC requires at least 10 units of each blood type and component within a three-day period, but they have been unable to meet this target.

“Baka sa oras na may mangailangan ng dugo during emergency cases ay wala tayong ma-provide para sa kanila. ‘Yun ang ayaw naming mangyari,” Alano said.

The PRC is calling on volunteer donors and organizations to help replenish their blood supply.

Blood centers in Dagupan, Urdaneta, and San Carlos are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Sana ma-consider po nila na mag-organize ng blood drive. Very critical ang stocks ng dugo sa mga blood facilities,” Alano said.

Aside from the health benefits of donating blood, the act saves lives, ensuring patients in need to receive the life-saving resource.