KORONADAL CITY (Feb. 10) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XII (DSWD FO XII recently conducted a bloodletting program as part of the agency’s 70th founding anniversary.

Around 24 donor employees participated in the event where representatives from the Philippine National Red Cross collected 11 blood bags at the regional office covered court here on February 8.

“We hope to extend the lives of those in need. This is part of our celebration. Our way of saying that we will be always of service,” regional director Cezario Joel Espejo said Wednesday.

“It’s one of our core values to help other agencies like the Red Cross to have enough supply of blood for the people.,” he added.

Among the donors was Evan-Li Rojas, a registered nurse and

Social Welfare Officer II, who was motivated by the fact that working in the agency exposed her to plights of clients who need blood for their loved ones.

“When clients call for help especially those who need blood, I always volunteer. I am very happy when I donate blood because I know this blood can save a life of a person,” Rojas said.

“This is my third time donating blood and this is a big help for people who badly need it.,” said Dan Lowell Ignacio, administrative assistant II of the agency, who shared the same view with Rojas.

The bloodletting activity came as the agency marked its 70th anniversary with the theme, “DSWD@70: Kabalikat ng Mahihirap sa Panahon ng Pandemya”, a month-long activity that focuses on recognizing the invaluable service of DSWD personnel, partners, beneficiaries, and stakeholders who contributed towards the improvement of DSWD’s operations, especially during the ongoing pandemic. (Patrick Villas / DSWD)