Project Sandugo is part of a series of activities that Rotary District 3830 and PRC have agreed upon under the Memorandum of Agreement signed in July 19, 2009 which established a Partners-in-Service relationship between the two organizations.

The partnership was made possible through the efforts of PRC Governor Rodolfo Reyes, who is also the Rotary Assistant Governor for Cluster 7.

 “We look forward to partnering with the Philippine Red Cross for this worthy cause as it will not only help save lives, but also improve the health of those who donate blood,” he added.

Rotary District 3830 is one of 10 Rotary Districts in the Philippines, which is composed of 80 clubs, covering the areas of Makati, Parañaque, Taguig, Pateros, Muntinlupa, Alabang, Las Piñas and Palawan.

"This is already the second of the annual District Project. We had a successful Project Sandugo last year and we are doing this again to campaign for voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation,” said Reyes.

The program will also will be held at Asia Pacific College and Las Piñas College on February 13, 2010.

Two hundred to three hundred prospective donors are expected to participate in two schools, and while some members of the Rotary will attend the Disaster Management Seminars and First Aid Education Program.

“The purpose of the project is to help uplift the suffering and to save the lives of the many, particularly those who are in dire need of blood and other necessary services such as disaster response and first aid, which are major services offered by the PRC,” said PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang.

“Records show that despite the series of blood donation conducted annually, it remains insufficient for the myriad who need adequate and safe blood supply yearly,” she added.

We urge the Filipinos to help their fellow countrymen who are in need of safe blood. Contrary to popular belief, donating blood does not make a person weak. Lost blood is replenished automatically through bodily mechanism.

For those who wish to be part of this noble event, the following below are ways on how to prepare yourselves:

1.    Have enough rest and sleep.
2.    No alcohol intake 24 hours prior to blood donation.
3.    No medications for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation.
4.    Have something to eat prior to blood donation, avoid fatty foods.
5.    Drink plenty of fluid like water or juice.