Manila, March 8 -- The Philippine Army (PA) on Sunday announced that it collected 4,312 blood bags from the simultaneous donation drive in all its units nationwide on March 7.

In a statement, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said regular and reservist troops displayed their dedication and heroism by participating in the blood drive as part of the activities celebrating the Army's 129th founding anniversary from Feb. 16 to March 19 this year.

A total of 6,754 soldiers, reservists, and other donors joined the blood donation drive.

"The blood donation drive is geared toward sustaining an ample blood supply, which will address the demand for blood as a life-saving fluid for Army personnel and ensure the need for sufficient blood reserve...