Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna bared plans to activate blood banks in Ospital ng Maynila and the Sta. Ana Hospital headed by Director Dr. Grace Padilla, as she graced the 35th Chapter Biennial Assembly of the Philippine Red Cross Manila Chapter held at the Manila Hotel over the weekend.
In her speech, Lacuna expressed gratitude to the new leadership of the Manila Red Cross for having installed her as honorary chairman. She was joined in the event by newly-elected board directors City administrator Bernie Ang, St. Peter’s Life and Non-Life plans owner Dr. Mildred Vitangcol, former first district Congressman Ernix Dionisio and Councilor Mon Yupangco, among others.
In her speech, Lacuna cited Gov. Andrew Nocon of Philippine Red Cross, Cong. Amado Bagatsing who is Chairman of the Board of the Manila Red Cross and PRC-Manila Chapter assembly chairperson Dr. Magdalena Lim, saying:“Isang karangalan na maging kaisa at katuwang ninyo sa pagsasakatuparan ng mga programa at proyektong nagsusulong sa adbokasiya ng krus na pula,” the lady mayor said, as she cited the big help being extended by the Red Cross specially for those in need of blood.
She added: “Kami naman sa pamahalaang lungsod ng Maynila ay patuloy sa pagsisikap na maitaguyod at gawing aktibo ang blood bank sa Ospital ng Maynila at gayundin ang itatayong blood bank sa Sta. Ana Hospital sa tulong ng isang non-government organization.”
The lady mayor cited the readiness and capability of the Red Cross in carrying out rescue and retrieval operations, emergency assistance and disaster relief in times of calamities and emergencies.
Also commended by Lacuna are the efforts of the organization to continuously create awareness and knowledge about first aid and disaster preparedness through trainings involving the youth and other individuals in schools and communities.
“Hangad ko ang pagpapatuloy ng pag-anyaya at pagtuklas ng mga bagong kasapi at mga bagong lider na may layuning maging Red Cross volunteer. Patuloy tayong makapaghikayat ng mga taong makapagbibigay ng kanilang oras, talento, kakayahan, lakas at kabuhayan upang maisulong ang dakilang misyon ng krus na pula. Sa bolunterismo higit na magiging makulay at makahulugan ang buhay,” said Lacuna.
The Red Cross, according to Lacuna, is a partner of any local government when it comes to providing quality services that are geared toward protecting and saving livesand restoring dignity specially among the needy.
She commended the organization for having proven what volunteerism and generosity are all about in its many years of existence.
“Ang kusang loob at bukas palad na paglalaan ng panahon sa paglilingkod, sa hangaring makatulong sa ibang tao, lalo na sa mga panahong sila’y nahihirapan at nawawalan ng pag-asa. Maraming pagkakataon nyo nang ipinakita ang kadakilaan ng inyong pagmamalasakit sa ating mga kababayan,” the mayor said.
According to Lacuna, the best way to help those who are losing hope in life is to create and do meaningful things for them.
“’Yung pagsasakripisyo natin sa paggawa ng mabuti ay tiyak na masusuklian din. Sabi nga ni Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, “charity isn’t about pity, it’s about love.” Ito ang nababanaagan ko sa bawat isa sa inyo–puno ng kasiglahan at kasiyahan na maging bahagi ng Red Cross,” Lacuna stressed.” (Baby Cuevas)
