MAASIN CITY – Indigent Southern Leyteños will no longer need to worry about paying for blood processing fees at the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), thanks to a significant financial assistance from the Provincial Government of Southern Leyte.

This was disclosed by PRC Southern Leyte Chapter Administrator Jonas Maco during a media interview held during the blood donation drive organized by the Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO), recently.

According to Maco, the Provincial Government has provided P4 million in financial assistance to the Red Cross to subsidize the cost of processing blood. The initiative was spearheaded by Governor Damian Mercado, with the support of Vice Governor Milai Mercado and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Maco clarified that while the blood itself is free, it usually comes with a processing fee — starting at P1,800 — to ensure the blood is safe and compatible. This fee covers necessary screenings for diseases such as HIV, Syphilis, Malaria, Hepatitis, and others.

In a related update, Provincial Board Member Jonathan “Jojo” Maraon emphasized that the program prioritizes indigent patients who are in critical need of blood, ensuring that those who cannot afford the fees are given top priority.

The initiative is expected to make a significant impact, providing life-saving assistance to Southern Leyteños in urgent need of blood, especially during medical emergencies.