BMC Blood Bank Staff attend NVBSP National Consultative Meetings
Dr. Ray Ibarrientos

In preparation for the 2010 target of the Department of Health, the National Voluntary Blood Donation Program headed by Dr. Criselda Abesamis together with the Philippine Blood Center under Dr. Andres Bonifacio scheduled quarterly meetings of Blood Program Coordinators, Blood Bank Heads and program advocates nationwide. It is the goal of the World Health Organization and Department of Health to have a 100 % voluntary blood donation by the year 2010.

To represent the institution and air the   interests and concerns of the Bicol region particularly zone A, Dr. Raymundo Ibarrientos along with Mr. Joemy Carpo and Mr. Mario Chavez, were tasked to attend the said meeting. Representative from Bicol Regional Blood Center were also present on the said occasion. Other attendees were from the Philippine National Red Cross, Philippine Blood Coordinating Council, LGU’s and NGO’s with active blood programs.

The BMC Blood Bank representatives attended two separate consultative meetings held last July and November 2008 respectively. The main issues discussed during the meeting were policies and guidelines in promoting and ensuring safe blood banking system. Other topics involved were different regional approaches and strategies on increasing voluntary blood donation, prevalence of Transfusion Transmissible Infections, and management on blood service facility and its program of activities.

The BMC team was tasked to present the program’s unique approach in promoting voluntary blood donation. A PowerPoint presentation of the Calabanga’s “Paduruguan ‘08” and the Bula “Dugong Oragon Festival” were presented by the group. Participants from other regions appreciated the Bring Big Brother (BBB) scheme which highlighted the week-long activity of the town of Bula, Camarines Sur.