Following the Taripnong press conference that highlighted the “Libre a Dara ti Umili” initiatives, Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito further advanced his flagship health program thru “Dugo Para sa Vizcayano” activity, a massive blood donation at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, Capitol, Bayombong, simultaneously held at the Kings Colleges of the Philippines, Bambang.
Through the press conference held on August 14, 2025, Provincial Blood Program Director Jehova L. Olpindo presented the “Libre a Dara Para ti Umili” project that highlighted the challenges faced by many Vizcayanos in terms of blood donation and procurement, stressing the need for a stronger and more accessible blood services program. Olpindo assured that this flagship project of Gov. Gambito will bridge these gaps by strengthening linkages with hospitals, blood banks, and partner institutions to ensure a reliable supply of safe blood for the province.
On August 17, 2025, the blood donation activity in partnership with the 203rd (Nueva Vizcaya) Community Defense Center, 2RCDG, RESCOM PA led by Paulo A. Espinosa, Acting Director, spearheaded the simultaneous RESCOM-wide blood donation in line with the 42nd RESCOM Anniversary celebration.The activity gathered an overwhelming 700 potential donors composed of government employees, partner agencies, civilian volunteers, but mostly ROTC cadets from St. Mary’s University, Aldersgate College, PLT College, Nueva Vizcaya State University (Bayombong and Bambang campuses).
Meanwhile, the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital (NVPH) being one of the premier blood banks in the province, through its Laboratory and Blood Bank Unit, ensured that the collection, testing, and storage of donated blood met the highest safety and quality standards. As one the central hubs for blood services in Nueva Vizcaya, NVPH continues to be a reliable partner of the Provincial Government in realizing Governor Gambito’s vision of making blood accessible and available to every Vizcayano in times of need.
Mr. Olpindo, announced that the “ Libre a Dara ti Umili “ project is expanding its linkages to include Cagayan Blood Bank Center intended to strengthen regional cooperation and provide additional supply sources during emergencies and high-demand situations. An expansion is also made with Paulino J. Garcia Hospital in Cabanatuan City for easier access of blood products to the people of Alfonso Castañeda, the farthest town in the province. These linkages he emphasized, are vital in making the blood services program more responsive and sustainable within the province.
Along with NVPH Laboratory and Blood Bank, the activity was supported by NVSU (Bayombong and Bambang Campuses) , Kings Colleges of the Philippines, Philippine Red Cross- Nueva Vizcaya Chapter, R2TMC, Diadi Emergency Hospital, Provincial Integrated Health Office, and the Order of the Amaranth-Sierra Madre Court. Vice Governor Eufemia A. Dacayo was one among the donors and even inspired others, saying: “Magtulungan tayo sa pagdugtong ng buhay.”
Board Member Flodemonte S. Gerdan, former RESCOM Battalion Commander, represented Governor Gambito and expressed gratitude to the partners and volunteers who made the activity possible.
Governor Gambito, through his flagship program “Libre a Dara Para ti Umili,” envisions a province-wide, sustainable blood services network that guarantees every Vizcayano access to safe blood when needed. # gloria
[This article was initially created on Facebook – Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. For PGNV updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]
