COTABATO CITY: The Ministry of Health (MoH) collected a total of 60 bags of blood during a mobile blood donation program held Wednesday, June 22, at Cotabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in this city. Dr. Ehsan Paudac said this is in line with the celebration of World Blood Donor Day and is also aimed to ensure sufficient blood supply in the region. The bloodletting activity was organized by the MoH Non-communicable Diseases Cluster led by Paudac, in partnership with CRMC. Donors were employees from the different regional offices of the BARMM. The CRMC collected and stored the blood donations. 'We want to raise awareness that blood donations play a vital role in preserving life and fostering solitude in the Bangsamoro communities,' Paudac said.'The celebration also serves to increase public awareness of the need for safe blood around the Bangsamoro Region and to encourage more individuals to give freely,' he added. Paudac further said that World Blood Donor Day is celebrated every June 14. However, he mentioned that the activity has been pushed later 'due to the conduct of other equally important activities.' 'We will continue what we have started as we all know how every drop of blood can save a life during emergency situations,' he said. This year's celebration of World Blood Donor Day in the Philippines carries the theme: 'Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives,' Paudac said.