The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Valenzuela City Chapter recently upgraded its blood bank facility located in their newly-renovated headquarters in Barangay Marulas, Valenzuela City. Now on its 11^th year in humanitarian services, the expansion intensifies the mass blood donation drive campaign to increase the city’s blood supply as part of their dengue contingency plan of action.   

Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian, Honorary Chairman of the PRC Valenzuela Chapter, together with  Chapter Chairman Ms.  Elizabeth A. Chongco, led the receiving party during the turn-over ceremonies.  

In her opening message, Ms. Chongco recounted her beginnings with PRC-VC and narrated how a small organization of local volunteers grew up to be the –“Most Outstanding Chapter in Category 1” from 2009 up to the present. “Before, a blood bank in the local chapter was only a dream, but with support from the local government and various private sectors, that dream was realized”.

“I am forever grateful to Mayor WIN for giving me the opportunity to lead the PRC-Valenzuela team. I have learned many things and witnessed the first-hand generosity and voluntary spirit of my fellow Valenzuelanos,” she added.

The blood bank facility upgrading was made possible by the equipment donations from the Rotary Club of Valenzuela Zone 3 RID 3800, including blood bank refrigerators, centrifuge, blood collection mixer, plasma freezer, plasma extractors, tube sealer, microscope, platelet agitator, bleeding chairs, steel lavatory, air-conditioners, computer server and CCTV cameras among others.

In addition, Mr. Chua Beng Theng, President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Valenzuela (PCCIV), handed over a donation of PhP 100,000 to further fulfil its life-saving commitment to the constituency.                                                                                                                                                     

Addressing the guests and PRC volunteers, Mayor WIN expressed his unending gratitude for all the help and attention to the local Red Cross. “The confidence and contributions in the work of the PRC-Valenzuela Chapter is proof that Valenzuela City is truly a “City of Volunteers,” and as such, we should be proud and be supportive of its cause,” he concluded.