Representatives from the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital (NVPH) attended a committee meeting with the Sangguniang Bayan of Bayombong on September 1, 2025, to discuss a proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Municipal Government Unit (MGU) of Bayombong and the NVPH. The initiative, spurred by a letter from Mayor Antonio Sergio G. Bagasao, aims to enhance blood supply and accessibility for Bayombong residents.
The committee meeting, presided over by Hon. Seth B. Navis, Committee Chairman on Health, featured presentations from key figures, including Provincial Blood Program Coordinator Jehova L. Olpindo and NVPH representative, Mariannty Jira C. David.
Hon. Navis initiated the discussion by inquiring about the process of availing blood from NVPH. Mr. Olpindo emphasized the need for Bayombong to designate a blood coordinator to oversee local blood needs and donation activities. He clarified that upon the MOA’s approval and the subsequent blood donation drives, the Municipal Health Officer (MHO) or designated blood coordinator would manage the blood pool. Blood requests, he added, should be submitted to the Mayor’s Office for approval before being forwarded to the MHO.
Concerns were raised regarding the distribution of donated blood, specifically whether it would be exclusively for Bayombong residents and how patients admitted to private hospitals could access it. Mr. Olpindo assured the committee that blood is distributed to all blood service facilities in the province, including dialysis centers, regardless of ownership. He highlighted the “Libre a Dara para ti Umili”, one of the flagship programs of Governor Jose V. Gambito, ensures a steady blood supply throughout Nueva Vizcaya. The Governor has also approved funding for the Philippine Red Cross-Nueva Vizcaya Chapter to further support this initiative, fostering collaboration rather than competition among blood banks.
The council also discussed the MOA’s stipulation of a 50-50 share of quality blood between the parties, which refers to the blood screening fee. Instead of monetary payment (ranging from P1,000 to P1,800), blood screening fees are settled through a 1:2 donation exchange.
Dr. Alvin Agustin, the MHO, clarified that the RHU Bayombong does not allocate funds for blood screening fees, understanding that screening costs would be covered through the donation exchange program.
Ms. David highlighted the hospital’s contribution through the “Libre a Dara para ti Umili” project, providing heavy snacks and tokens like 4kg rice packs, blankets, or mugs to blood donors as a gesture of appreciation.
Following the presentations and discussions, a committee member moved for the passage of the MOA between LGU Bayombong and NVPH, a motion that was unanimously seconded by the other members. The partnership promises to streamline blood access and ensure a stable supply for the constituents of Bayombong, reinforcing the province’s commitment to public health. /𝒎𝒄𝒄𝒅
[This article was initially created on Facebook – Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. For PGNV updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]
