Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU Dir. Larry N. Cruz (2nd from right, standing) and Dr. Emely M. Amoloza (4th from left, standing), Chair of the UPOU Wellness, Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Committee, with the volunteers from Philippines Red Cross, Faculty of Information and Communication Studies and Ugnayan ng Pahinungód UPOU.
A twelve-year strong tradition of blood-letting and volunteerism continues as the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) conducted its Blood Donation Drive on 30 May 2025 at the Academic Residences, UPOU Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. This was spearheaded by the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód (Volunteer Corps) in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Laguna Chapter.
“Give blood, save a life,” impelled the banner that welcomed the donors, partners, and volunteers to the venue. Inside, a rigorous five-step process was being administered by the Red Cross Team to ensure the eligibility of the donors.
By day’s end, the collected blood bags totalled 55. Ten percent (10%) of which can be availed free of charge by the UPOU as the organizing institution.
Propelled by partnerships
Repeat donors and long-time partners serve as strong proof of the blood drive’s replicability and sustainability.
Mr. Leonito Donoso, Chair of the Community Development Committee of the Laguna Prime Multipurpose Cooperative (LPMC), expressed hope to further strengthen their partnership with the initiative, just as they have consistently done over the past four years.
Ms. Eeia Ramirez of Romeo Ramirez Transport Services recalled their involvement since the blood drive’s inception in 2012, “Our motivation in supplying the needs, or whatever we provide [in-kind], is to support those who generously donate their blood. We want to help them regain their energy, and sustain themselves after donating. It’s been a fulfilling and active way for us to engage with the community.”
The Office of the Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration (OVCFA), the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), and the UPOU Wellness, Healthy Lifestyle, and Sports Committee (UPOU WHLSC) were also in more ways than one instrumental in the implementation of the initiative.
Free to give, free to receive
Donor Mr. Darwin Angelo Guia expressed his strong commitment to the cause, saying, “Maraming tao na nangangailangan ng dugo na bumabayad pa po sa private hospitals na kung tutuusin ay kaya naman nating makuha from other people nang libre lang.” [Many people in need of blood end up paying for it at private hospitals, when in fact, we can obtain it from others at no cost.]
“To save lives, talaga,” [indeed] shared Ms. Sandra Marie Villareal when asked what motivated her to participate. “Medyo cliché siyang pakinggan, pero kapag inisip mo kasi siya, ito na iyong pinaka-convenient na paraan para tumulong. Wala ka nang gagastusin, you just have to show up” [As cliché as it sounds, but if you think about it, this is the most convenient way to help. You don’t have to spend anything, you just have to show up], she added.
Despite the 21 deferrals due to reasons such as insufficient sleep, recent tattoos (less than a year old), or recent exposure to animal bites, many still expressed commitment to the cause by pledging to participate in future blood donations.
The blood drive was formally concluded by Mr. Larry N. Cruz, Director of the Ugnayan ng Pahinungód, together with Dr. Emely M. Amoloza, Chair of the UPOU WHLSC and proponent of the initiative. They recognized the efforts of the volunteers through the awarding of certificates.
Written by Angeline D. Fortes |Edited by Emely M. Amoloza |Photos by Anthea Fay C. Peredo
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