Catarman, Northern Samar- On March 19, 2008, the 803^rd Infantry (“Peacemaker”) Brigade conducted a one-day Blood-Letting Activity together with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), Northern Samar Chapter and the Provincial Health Office (PHO). The event is one of the many activities that the Brigade conduct in connection with the month-long celebration of the 111^th Philippine Army Anniversary which will culminate on the 28^th of March.

The activity was divided into two batches to accommodate the PNRC and the Provincial Health Office, both of Northern Samar. The Northern Samar Chapter of PNRC started facilitating the blood donation activity at 8:30 in the morning of March 19, 2008 until 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon and 28 personnel passed were able to donate blood. In the afternoon, medical team from the Provincial Health Office led by Ms. Jenny T Pelayo facilitated the activity and was able to collect blood from 33 donors. The activity ended at about 4:30 o’clock in the afternoon with a total of 61 donors who donated 27,450 cc of fresh blood.

COL EDUARDO D DEL ROSARIO FA (GSC) PA, Commander 803^rd Brigade remarked that the Blood-Letting Activity aims to create awareness and benefits of donating blood. He believes that the blood the troops donated will not only save the life of the recipient in need but also rejuvenates the donor as his blood becomes “younger”. Further, he said that this is the Army’s way of sharing “life” to the Samareños, literally. He added that this event will be done twice a year in coordination with the LGU in the area.

Personnel from the 20^th and 63^rd Infantry Battalions, CAA members of the Bravo Company, 52 Cadre Battalion, personnel of the 82^nd Reconnaissance Company and from Field Artillery Firing Platoon and Light Armor Platoon participated in the Blood-letting activity.

The other activities relative to the month-long celebration of the 111^th Philippine Army Anniversary with the theme:” Team Army: Strong and United Towards Peace and Development” were the Cleanliness Drive at the shorelines of Brgy Baybay and Brgy Airport Village together with the residents of the said barangay On March 15, 2008, Dental Civic Actions and Film Showing to selected schools and barangays and Malunggay tree planting on the 28^th.