8ID gives blood on Christmas day

Press Release
By Office of the Division Public Affairs, 8ID PA
December 18, 2009

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan, Samar  –  The Army’s 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division pre-celebrated Christmas by giving blood instead of gift in a bloodletting activity partnered with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNCR) Region 8 in the morning of December 18, 2009 in furtherance of the 74th Anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in December 24.

The PNRC which was led by Ms. Desiree Pamonag has their usual goal of filling 150 bags of blood, each having a capacity of 500cc of blood. Unlike in any other blood letting activities wherein the toughest part is to find those who are willing to donate their blood, Pamonag proudly said that “not in 8ID”.  “8ID has been our very good partner in this kind of endeavor”, she added.

This endeavor, which is simultaneously conducted by the different units of the AFP is focused on saving lives thru sharing of blood from the soldiers.  As the agency who primed to do the said cause, the activity was also conducted to replenish the stocks of the PNRC’s blood bank to assure that blood will be available in Samar and Leyte for the next three (3) months should emergency arise.

Lt. Col. Armand Rico, the 8ID’s spokesman said, “Christmas is the most meaningful ever compared to other holidays we had celebrated.  Not because gifts or presents, new clothes for children, bountiful foods, carols, parties and many more are expected to enjoy, but because this day commemorates the fulfillment of prophecy that a boy will be born from the grace of God who will save us from all of our sins through his own blood”