VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Ilocos Sur Chapter raised an estimated ₱400,000 for its Blood Samaritan Project through a charity run held here on August 30, benefiting patients in need of blood transfusions.
The annual fundraiser supports vulnerable patients who cannot afford blood processing fees. Chapter administrator Veronica Tactay said the initiative ensures that financial difficulties do not prevent access to life-saving medical care.
“This is an annual activity, and this year we recorded the highest attendance ever with about 800 participants,” Tactay said. “This shows that more people are becoming aware of the importance of blood donation and are eager to help those in need.”
The blood service fee—₱1,800 for whole blood, ₱1,500 for packed red blood cells, and ₱1,000 for other blood products—covers the cost of blood bags, reagents, and screening for transfusion-related infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Malaria, and Syphilis. The Department of Health (DOH) sets the allowable maximum for these charges.
Tactay thanked the provincial government of Ilocos Sur, the local government units of Vigan City and Santa Catalina, as well as sponsors from both the public and private sectors for supporting the event.
Among the participants, Philippine Science High School–Ilocos Region Campus had the largest delegation with 117 runners in the 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer events, while Ilocos Sur National High School fielded 105 runners in the 3-kilometer race.
University of Northern Philippines student Randy Obrero, who joined the run, said the event motivated him to train again after an injury. “This run gave me the chance not only to recover physically but also to feel proud knowing that by running, I help indigent patients,” he said.
The Blood Samaritan Project began in 2018 with a fun run, followed by a concert in 2022, and has since been held annually as a run from 2023 onward. It is typically staged between July and September to coincide with World Blood Donor Month.
With reports from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
