BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — On April 20, 2026, Batangas City Mayor Marvey Mariño led the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) alongside top Philippine Red Cross (PRC) officials to strengthen the Blood Samaritan Program, ensuring that legitimate residents of the city have immediate access to life-saving blood supplies during medical emergencies.
Under the terms of the three-year agreement, the Batangas City government has committed to allocating PHP 3 million annually, totaling PHP 9 million, to serve as the program’s dedicated fund.
Originally launched by former Mayor and current 5th District Representative Beverley Rose Dimacuha, the Blood Samaritan Program seeks to streamline collaboration between the local government and the PRC for more efficient implementation. Mayor Mariño personally handed over the initial PHP 3 million check for the year 2026 during the ceremony.
The program is designed to provide rapid response to the blood requirements of city residents through a simplified and expedited process. Notably, the initiative is inclusive, offering assistance to all residents regardless of socioeconomic status.
Beneficiaries can avail themselves of this service even if they are confined in hospitals outside the city or in different provinces across the country.
To facilitate the process, the PRC chapter in the patient’s location must coordinate directly with the PRC Batangas Chapter. Residents or their representatives are required to fill out an application form and present a valid government-issued ID featuring a Batangas City address as proof of residency. This system aims to eliminate traditional hurdles in securing blood units, particularly for those in urgent need.
Batangas City currently holds the distinction of being the first local government unit in the Philippines to implement a program of this nature that covers all residents regardless of their financial standing. Officials noted that the universal approach sets a national precedent for localized health and emergency services.
“Malaki ang pasasalamat natin sa PRC Batangas Chapter sa kanilang pagtugon upang maayos at maging epektibo ang pagpapatupad ng programang ito. Makakatulong ito sa lahat ng ating kababayang Batangueño (We are very grateful to the PRC Batangas Chapter for their response to ensure the proper and effective implementation of this program. This will help all our fellow Batangueños),” Mayor Mariño stated during the event.
The MOA signing was attended by high-ranking PRC officials, including Secretary General Gwendolyn T. Pang, Batangas Chapter Chairperson Honesto Babasa, Vice Chairperson Engr. Vicente Ramos, Atty. Roel Cao Garcia, and Chapter Administrator Ronald Generoso. Representing the local government alongside the Mayor was City Administrator Engr. Sonny Godoy.| Sheenalei Briana Rayos
