Employees of the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development, the Housing Arm of the BARMM, learned the benefits of blood donation during the orientation on National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) conducted by the Ministry of Health (MOH) at the MHSD Regional Office, Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City on November 15, 2024.

“And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely,” from Surah Al-Ma’idah, Ayah 32, was one of the many Islamic quotes shared by the resource speakers during the presentation, along with scientific sources and information on hospital benefits.

The participants also knew that donating blood also benefits physical health and serves as a free health checkup due to a screening required by a trained staff member to check the donor’s pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, and hemoglobin levels.

Blood donors, according to the speakers receive proof of donations from the host agency, such as the MOH, which may be used at hospitals to prioritize their need for blood bags should any future need arise, and can be availed by their friends or family members.

“Thank you to the MOH for sharing the importance of blood donation. It is important knowledge for both the donor and recipient alike,” said Bangsamoro Director General Esmael W. Ebrahim, agreeing to all the verses and hadith mentioned to increase faith in saving lives.

After the presentations shared by resource speakers Johainna M. Aliudin, Sheana May M. Gilayo, RN, and Maguid S. Maulana Jr. RMT, employees were able to ask additional queries regarding bloodletting, such as the recommended ages to donate, which is 16-60 years old and the importance of blood types, such as how Type O blood is the universal donor and Type AB blood is the universal recipient.

The MOH will be hosting a blood donation event at the MOH Covered Court, Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on November 21, 2024, to which some MHSD employees committed to participate in.