(Photo credit: Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development)
LEGAZPI CITY, Albay (PIA) — Donating blood not only saves lives but also offers health and emotional benefits to donors
Donating blood not only saves lives but also provides health and emotional benefits to donors, health authorities and donors said.
“People often say that donating blood cleanses the body. What actually happens is that the body replaces old red blood cells with new ones, which is beneficial for us,” said Nicole Ann Bejo, a blood donor recruitment officer at the Bicol South Luzon Subnational Reference Laboratory Blood Center (BSLSRLBC).
Bejo said that donating blood supports patients in need while also promoting the donor’s mental well-being.
“Knowing that you helped save a life feels really good. It gives you a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, which benefits mental health,” she added.
Each unit of donated blood can help save three to five lives, Bejo said, emphasizing the importance of regular blood donation.
For 2026, the blood center aims to collect approximately 34,809 blood units through mobile donation drives across the Bicol region.
Bejo encouraged the public to support the initiative by participating in mobile blood donation activities in their communities or by visiting the blood center at the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center (BRHMC) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Both BRHMC and BSLSRLBC operate under the Department of Health.
Volunteer donors also shared how blood donation gives them a sense of purpose while helping others in need.
Sgt. Mildred Lorilla of the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group 5 said that donating blood is a simple act that can make a life-saving difference.
“It feels truly rewarding to know that through the simple act of donating blood, we can help and even save lives,” Lorilla said, adding that the donation process is safe and organized, with proper assessments conducted before donors are allowed to give blood.
“Donors undergo thorough assessments before donating, and they are carefully monitored throughout the process,” she said.
Reynard Sevillano, a donor from Legazpi City, said that donors also benefit from free health screenings conducted prior to donation.
“There is a free health screening before you can donate. They check your blood pressure, and you also get to know your blood type,” he said.
Deib Sulit, a donor from Camalig, Albay, said that donating blood is a simple way to help save lives.
“It feels good to know that in such a simple way, you can save someone’s life,” Sulit said. (Raiza Lucido contributed to this report/PIA Bicol/Albay)
