With the beginning of the month-long observance of the National Blood Donors’ Month, the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) or PMCC (4th Watch) reiterated the life-saving importance of blood donations during its National Bloodletting Activity last July 8.
The blood drive was launched at the Philippine Red Cross main office in Mandaluyong and was conducted simultaneously across 30 locations in the Philippines, including Cavite, Quezon, Mindoro, Aklan, Bacolod, Davao, and Metro Manila. More than 4,000 blood bags were collected from these provinces during this nationwide activity.
Blood-letting outreaches were also held around the world in North America, Australia, the Middle East, and cities throughout Europe.
Apostle Arsenio T. Ferriol, the church’s Chief Executive Minister, along with Bishop Jonathan Ferriol, Deputy Executive Minister, led the launch of the National Bloodletting Activity with Philippine Red Cross Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang. Local government units and advocates also expressed their support for the church’s blood drive.
Bishop Ferriol underscored the important duty of the church in uplifting the lives of everyone in the community. “As the PMCC (4th Watch), we firmly believe that churches have a vital role as partners within the community, dedicated to bringing positive change and serving the needs of the people,” he said.
For its part, PMCC (4th Watch) has established partnerships with local governments, community leaders, and organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross to strengthen the church’s outreach efforts across the country. The church has also opened its outreach activities to the general public, regardless of their religious affiliation.
“Our aim is to unite Filipinos in a collective effort to create a healthier and more vibrant community, highlighting the values personified by Jesus Christ, including compassion, service, and community,” Bishop Ferriol explained.
Then-President Fidel V. Ramos declared the month of July as National Blood Donors’ Month under Proclamation No. 1021, signed on June 9, 1977, to spread awareness on the importance of blood transfusions and to encourage more Filipinos to donate blood.
Bishop Ferriol noted the connection between the life-giving nature of blood donations and the transformative power of the Gospel. “Both endeavors aim to bring new life, whether through the spiritual nourishment of the Word or the physical revitalization through blood transfusions,” he explained.
The church’s blood drive is also part of its ongoing 50th anniversary celebration, which will include another series of medical missions to underserved communities in the Philippines and a number of prayer and healing crusades around the world. This will culminate in an International Convention and a Golden Anniversary Celebration at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac on August 27.
Bishop Ferriol, however, maintained that the church’s milestone is not a reason to boast. “It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to give back to the community that has supported and collaborated with us over the years,” he said.