Many dread donating blood because the process of bloodletting itself can be terrifying, but Mr. Salvador Panelo Llavore, faculty member of the College of Community Health and Allied Medical Sciences, is an exemption. He has been donating volumes of blood for nine years now.   

Mr. Llavore was awarded a Bronze Medal and a certificate by the Philippine Red Cross last August 15, 2021 during the Philippine Red Cross La Union Virtual Blood Donors Moth Awards and Recognition Ceremony 2021.

A donor is given a Bronze Medal award after donating “28 times, or 12, 500cc, whichever comes first.” But our national “blood galloner” has donated 29 times.

In a previous interview, Mr. Llavore shared that he has started donating blood since 2012, when he was a Midwifery student. He normally donates blood every three months although there were years when he was able to donate only twice a year.

This award, his Bronze Award, is not his first as he was also recognized as a national blood galloner last July 14, 2014.

“I have also been a Red Cross volunteer for nine years now. I am connected with Philippine Red Cross-San Fernando City. Part of my tasks as a Red Cross volunteer include constructing First Aid Station, and organizing mass blood donation together with CCHAMS students and Mr. Jyger Pre, University DRRM Coordinator,” Mr. Llavore added.

When asked about the preparations he makes before donating blood, Mr. Llavore explained: “Before ako mag donate, dapat may at least 8 hours of sleep ako. There should be no alcohol intake. I eat well and enough para hindi ako mahilo.”

When asked why he has made donating blood a habit, he underscored its health benefits.

“Sa 29 times ko na pag-donate, madami nang pasyente ang natulungan ko. Pati din po students and faculty and staff sa DMMMSU, he also added.

One of his photos shows the very reason why he donates blood.

“I give blood because I’m beautiful.” (Ayu)