Manila, Feb. 12 -- The city government here, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), is encouraging qualified donors to join this weekend's blood-letting activity, and turn Feb. 14 into a day of "life-saving compassion."

The event, themed "Dugong Ilonggo: Give Blood on Valentine's Day," will take place on the 2nd floor Lounge Area of Robinsons Mall Iloilo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Councilor Alan Zaldivar, chair of the City Council's Committee on Health, Sanitation and Hospital Services, said the activity is the local government's response to the dwindling inventory of supplies at the PRC and the Western Visayas Medical Center.

He said there is an increasing demand for blood for regular surgery procedures and dialysis, with some...