Feature: Info. Officers also save lives

Capiz, Sept. 13 (PIA6) -- Government information officers go beyond the usual promotion and education advocacy of government’s policies, programs and accomplishments.

They will now be among the heroes for saving the lives of their brethren in Capiz by being blood donors.

Carlette Pretta, president of the Capiz Association of Government Information Officers (CAGPIO) has been a regular blood donor of the Philippine Red Cross-Capiz Chapter for many years now.

“Every year, I see to it that I donate blood for I know that my blood could save lives,” she said.

The first bloodletting activity last year dubbed as “CAGPIO Dugtong-Buhay” was a gathering of the association’s heroes, with old and first time blood donors.

Then CAGPIO president Engr. Julius Abela of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Engr. Julieta Gallardo of the National Irrigation Authority and Roxas City Bureau of Fire Protection Information Officer Marlon Garbo were among those first time blood donors who showed their courage to overcome their fear in the name of saving more Capiceños.

Capiz PRC Board of Director Dr. Charles Robles commended the efforts of government public information officers and the Philippine Information Agency for not just informing and educating the public but also for doing a noble job of allowing themselves to be instruments of saving lives through their blood.

The second CAGPIO Dugtong-Buhay “Kabuhi Mo, Sugpunan Ko” bloodletting program on September 14, aims to encourage more organizations and individuals to advocate and conduct voluntary blood donation activities.

With the support of Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, Capiz Dental Society, Roxas City Vice Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, City Councilor Powell del Rosario, Metro Roxas Water District, local government units and national government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations and other private individuals here, the association looks forward to gather more successful blood donors.

Roxas City and Provincial Police Information Officers Ramil Arcangeles and Donna Asmod, respectively, with Department of Health Representative Dr. Leah del Rosario, are committee-in-charge of this year’s bloodletting event of the association.

The event is also a showcase of the good practices of government employees and officials in line with the 112th Philippine Civil Service anniversary this September with the theme “Kawani, Ikaw ay Isang Lingkod Bayani.” (JCM/Jemin B. Guillermo/PIA6-Capiz)