The Department of Health-Zamboanga (DOH-9) is urging the public to donate blood to address the shortage of blood supply in the region.

DOH-9 and the Philippine Red cross (PRC) are focusing on how to address the shortage of blood supply as demand continues to rise.

DOH-9 said between 70 to 80 units of blood are needed every day. PRC-Zamboanga City also said at least 35 units of blood should be available every day or a target of 1,000 blood units per month.

“Karon, increasing gayod ang demand sa dugo. Sama sa amua, ang among target should be 1000 (blood) units kami makakolekta in a month, dili gihapon siya enough siguro it should be 2,000 units or more,” PRC-Zamboanga City Administrator, Joseline Fernandez, said.

DOH-9 said mobile blood donation activities are helpful to address the rising demand of blood.

The agency also urged the public to donate blood to help save lives.

“Hinihikayat natin ang local government unit para man engage and mag promote ng blood donation activity sa barangay level…aside from saving lives, so nangangailangan ng ating mga pasyente ng dugo so tayo po ay bayani rin,” Dr. Augusto Manolo Alpichi, chief of DOH-Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development (ZPCHD) Local Health Support Division (LHSD), said.