SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in collaboration with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), conducted today a bloodletting project that aimed to collect some 300 bags of whole blood donations to help patients in need of blood.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the project is part of the agency’s health agenda for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“It is my wish for every SBMA employee to have and maintain good health, and that is why we are pursuing a health agenda for the Freeport,” Eisma said. “Besides, bloodletting is also good for the donors.”

Accordingly, donating blood helps reduce risk of cancer, as well  as the accumulation of too much iron in the blood, which might damage the heart, liver and pancreas.

Donating blood also helps improve cardiovascular health and reduce weight.

Meanwhile, SBMA Deputy Administrator for Public Health and Safety Ronnie Yambao said that the Subic agency is institutionalizing the bloodletting program.

“We are targeting at least 300 participants for today. But this bloodletting program of SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) will be institutionalized, as instructed by Chairman Eisma,” he said.

Yambao explained that institutionalizing the bloodletting project will include dissemination of information to Subic Freeport residents, locators and workers for wider public participation.

He added that under the Freeport health agenda, the SBMA started to require all its employees to submit themselves for annual physical examination.

Next month, the SBMA will also conduct a free electrocardiogram (ECG) testing for all employees, but giving priority to employees 60 years old and above.

Eisma also pointed out that the agency also conducts other health-related activities like the Zumba hour every Friday at 4:00 pm, as well as the SBMA Mini-Olympics and other inter-department sports competitions.

“This program aims to make sure that SBMA employees are always in the highest level of fitness to work, and to serve the public well — efficiently and effectively,” Eisma said.

 

Top Photo: SBMA Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma (fourth from right) and other SBMA employees watch as a nurse draws blood from SBMA Deputy Administrator for Public Health and Safety Ronnie Yambao during the SBMA bloodletting project on February 23. (ERNIE SANTOS)