BACOLOD CITY, (PNA) — The Department of Health (DOH) elevated Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. to the Hall of Fame of Outstanding Local Government Executives for his steadfast commitment to the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP).
Marañon received his award during the 15th National Sandugo Awards rites held at The Heritage Hotel in Pasay City Wednesday night.
The Sandugo Award is the highest award given to local officials supporting the NVBSP, underscoring their active involvement in maintaining an adequate safe blood supply in the country.
The Hall of Famers are cited by the DOH along with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
“This award shows our firm commitment to basic health services delivery. I am, therefore, encouraging other local executives to take part in the government’s blood donation campaign and other programs promoting a healthy nation,” Marañon said after receiving his trophy from DOH officials Dr. Tomas Madamba and Dr. Pedrito Tagayuna.
The citation to the governor was signed by PRC chairman and chief executive officer Richard Gordon, Health Secretary Enrique Ona and Philippine Blood Coordinating Council president Edwin Rodriguez.
Also awarded Sandugo trophies were seven Negros Occidental mayors, including former Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva, now Second District representative; Patrick Escalante, Cadiz City; Juliet Ferrer, La Carlota City; Jose Montelibano, Silay City; Agustin Bascon, Himamaylan City; Ramon Torres, Bago City; and Emmanuela Aranda, Binalbagan.
Eighty-six barangay captains from Negros Occidental also received Sandugo awards.
In February this year, the provincial government of Negros Occidental inaugurated its P24.1-million Negros First Provincial Blood Bank Center in Bacolod City.
The facility, which includes an P18.9-million structure, a P4.2-million fire protection system, and a P1-million pathological vault, is one of the only two provincial government-established blood centers in the country. The other is in Davao del Norte.