As part of its public service tradition, the UP Open University (UPOU) holds annual blood donation drives. Now in its tenth year, the UPOU Blood Donation Drive was held on 6 April 2022 at the UPOU Community Hub in Los Baños, Laguna.
This year, 60 blood bags were collected, surpassing the 2019 UPOU Blood Donation Drive’s total number of successful donors. Eighty (80) volunteers attended the drive with 20 deferrals due to low hemoglobin levels, hypertension, and other medical conditions.
The medical team advised proper hydration, consuming iron-rich foods and supplements, and making the necessary preparations before the blood donation to avoid being deferred from donating blood.
Mr. Arturo Corpuz, a donor since 2012 emphasized the importance of donating blood. According to him, “Simple. Nakakatulong ito sa ibang tao at maganda rin sa katawan ang pagdo-donate ng dugo.” [Simple. It allows me to help other people, and it is also good for the body.] In addition, Mr. Joel Llobit, who has been donating for five consecutive years in the UPOU Blood Donation Drive, knows the importance of donating blood to save lives.
Mr. Mark Anthony Balunos from Motorcycle Community Organization for Peace and Security/Great Praetorian Riders Society had been donating in different blood donation drives for 5 years. He said that he donates to help the people in need of the precious blood.
First-time donor, Mr. Halbert Corpuz, also believed that donating blood is beneficial to both those in need and himself. “Tutulong ako ngayon dahil kapag ako ang nangangailangan, alam kong may tutulong sa akin.” [I will help others now because I believe that when the time comes, I know that there’s somebody who will help me.]
Everyone is encouraged to donate to fulfill the increasing demands for blood supply, especially during the time of COVID-19 pandemic.
This project is initiated by the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS), in cooperation with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration (OVCFA) and in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross- Laguna Chapter.
For the past decade, the activity was made possible by the following partners and sponsors: 4th Regional Community Defense Group-Army Reserve Command; Christian Reformed Church; Gospel Fundamental Baptist Church; MAKBOYS Adventure Team; Motorcycle Community Organization for Peace and Security; Great Praetorian Riders Society; Philippine Rice Research Institute; Romeo M. Ramirez Transport Services; UPLB College of Development Communication; UPLB Credit and Development Cooperative (now Laguna Prime Multi-Purpose Cooperative); and some good-soul individuals who preferred to be anonymous.
The UPOU Blood Donation Drive has been giving hope and saving lives for a decade, not just to UPOU employees but also to any Filipinos in need.
Give blood. Help save lives.
Sustainable Development Goals
Written by Yrelle Mae Lleva
Edited by Maine Basan and Emely Amoloza
Contributed by the UPOU Faculty of Information and Communication Studies
#UPOpenUniversity
