Hospitals in Pangasinan are facing tight blood supplies after demand surged in the final months of 2025, causing Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City to intensify mobile blood donation drives to rebuild its reserves.

R1MC said blood stocks ran critically low in December as more patients required transfusions, straining the hospital’s blood bank.

“Mas marami ang nangangailangan keysa doon sa mga donors natin,” Gerald Dioquino, blood donor recruitment officer of Region 1 Medical Center, said.

To address the shortage, the hospital launched large-scale mobile blood donation activities, reaching out to communities and institutions to encourage voluntary donors. Dioquino said donated blood plays a crucial role in saving patients’ lives.

“Mahalaga ito para sa mga patient natin, nagdudugtong kasi ito ng buhay,” he said.

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, students from a university in Dagupan City joined the donation drive, responding to the hospital’s appeal as part of a scheduled program that took on added urgency due to the shortage.

“This program is scheduled po, pero since talagang maraming nangangailangan, masakit sa damdamin na may mga nangangailangan pero walang dugo sa blood bank,” Prof. Tzarita Marie Mayo, dean of the College of MLS, Pharmacy and Biology, said.

Some donors said they were motivated by the chance to help others in need.

“This is fulfilling na makapag-donate ng dugo,” Krisnna Mariano, one of the donors, said.

Health officials said regular blood donation not only helps ensure a stable supply for patients but may also benefit donors by improving blood circulation, reducing excess iron in the body and potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.