Lighting the World Through the Gift of Life

The Filipino Christmas “BER” season may have just started in September, but for many Filipino Latter-day Saints, the spirit of Christmas begins with the act of giving.

The Fairview Philippines Stake (diocese), in partnership with the Quezon City Health Department and St. Luke's Medical Center, conducted the annual blood donation drive on November 16, 2024, at the Don Antonio meetinghouse, gathering 43 donors.

Vince Angelo Aquino, a 20-year-old donor waiting in line for screening, shared his preparations before donating blood. “Ang ginawa ko lang last 4 days ay nag jogging every night, bawas ng kain, 8 hours of sleep, at kumain ng masustansya.”

As a first-timer, Vince had three motivations for donating: to help others, to practice a healthy lifestyle, and to create a meaningful experience.

When asked if he is afraid of needles, his answer was an astounding yes.

“Yes, a hundred percent. Nakakatakot kasi first time ko, pero i-enjoy ko nalang ito para makatulong na din sa mga nangangailangan ng dugo.”

Angel Aquebay, another participant, was eager to donate but was deemed ineligible due to sensitive veins.

Feeling slightly discouraged, she said, “Sinasabi nila na kailangan regular o every three months dapat mag-donate.”

According to Angel, her first and second previous attempts were successful, although she could not fill a blood bag. She remains hopeful and determined to contribute to the next stake donation drive.

A seventh-time blood donor, Farrah Mausisa, shares her motivation: “Para makatulong at ma-cleanse din ang katawan ko.”

Looking back on her first experience, “Hiniling ko pa noon sa nurse kung meron mas maliit na karayom dahil takot ako.”

However, on her eighth attempt, Farrah could not donate due to safety reasons.

Dr. Miguel Gregorio M. Trespeses, blood program coordinator of the Quezon City Health Department, emphasized the need for blood donations. “Ang blood po kasi, need po talaga siya, hindi po siya pwedeng i-manufacture or ma-reproduce.”

“Sino ba ang nabibigyan nito? Marami po—mga may life-threatening conditions, mga nanganganak, naaaksidente, at may blood disorders. Ang dugong binibigay niyo ay makaka-save ng buhay. For example, mayroon po akong kilalang pasyenteng bata na may cancer. Siya po ay nangangailangan ng at least two blood transfusions a week,” Dr. Trespeses explained.

The Quezon City government, under Republic Act 7719, mandates voluntary blood donations.

Dr. Trespeses continued, “Ito po ang simplest act na pwede niyong tawagin ang mga sarili niyong heroes.”

“Mula sa Quezon City Government and Quezon City Health Department, nagpapasalamat po kami sa The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sa St. Lukes po, at sa inyo pong nandito. Sana po mag continue po ang pag donate as early as every three months, pwede po kayo mag donate ulit.”

Only 27 participants passed the screening. Despite some challenges, Dr. Rachelle Ong from St. Luke's Medical Center reassured, “27 is a good number, considering it’s just a half-day mission.”

President Dave Aquino, Fairview Stake President, concluded the program by expressing his gratitude to donors and medical representatives.

“Thank you sa mga nagbigay ng dugo, including those who tried to donate. Thank you for being here. We thank the St. Luke's medical representatives. I hope we can work together next time.”

“The scriptures teach us that when you give, the Lord will compensate. When you give a part of your blood, your body generates fresh blood. It rejuvenates the body’s system,” President Aquino shared.

The Fairview Philippines Stake conducts its yearly blood donation drive, partnering with government and private agencies to offer help to others.

As the Christmas season continues, President Dave Aquino reminded everyone, “The happiest people are those that give. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”