The Dugtong Buhay Movement, led by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), is set to conduct on Tuesday a bloodletting activity at the Naval Station, Ernesto Ogbinar, Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union.

In a news release, the DBM said the activity aims to collect blood donations from volunteers from various agencies to be able to provide help to anyone in need, especially with the recent spike in dengue cases.

“This is especially because the latest data from the Department of Health shows that the recorded cases of dengue this year have reached 208,000, which is 68 percent higher than in 2023,” the DBM said.

The activity is following Republic Act 7719 or the National Blood Services Act of 1994, which promotes voluntary blood donation to ensure its safe and sufficient supply.

The Dugtong Buhay Movement is composed of the DBM, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine Red Cross, in partnership with the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Air Force, and the Provincial Government of La Union.

Around 400 donors are expected at the bloodletting campaign. (PNA)