“Sagip Dugtong Buhay,” the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. (GMAKF)’s annual bloodletting program, yielded 1,792 units of blood, making it the biggest collection of the program after the pandemic.

This year’s program, held on August 17 at the Ever Commonwealth Mall in Quezon City, marked 28 years of bringing the public together to donate blood to raise the country’s blood supply. It was also conducted to celebrate the program’s founder, veteran broadcaster Mel Tiangco’s birthday this month.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon lauded the blood donors who flocked to join this activity. “Whether it’s your first time donating, or your 50th time, the Red Cross salutes you. Your generosity will save lives.”

“Ang dugong ibinigay ninyo, mapupunta po sa iba’t ibang lugar. We’re spreading the love in different parts of the country. On behalf of the Red Cross, I thank all the blood donors. Without you, we would not sustain the country’s demand for blood. Marami po tayong natutulungan, at marami pa tayong dapat tulungan. So, let’s continue this,” added PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang.

Dr. Pang graced the activity with GMA Kapuso Foundation COO and Executive VP Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog, PRC-Quezon City Chapter Board Chairman Gov. Ernesto Isla, PRC-QC Board Member Dir. Joshua Aragon, PRC Assistant Secretary-General for Programs Development & Services, Dr. Christie Monina Nalupta, Ever Commonwealth Executive Vice President for Operations Ms. Evelyn Go, and Department Store Manager Ms. Dolly Eloriaga.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. made a surprise visit to donate his blood during the activity. “It always feels good when you give something of yourself, in this case blood, that could save the life of another person. Nananawagan tayo sa ating kapwa Pilipino na magdonate ng blood nila dahil kailangan ng ating mga kababayan ang ating dugo.”

Blood galloners, or individuals who have donated atleast a gallon or more of blood, were also recognized in the program. 53 year old-Ramon Castillo, an awardee, said he has been donating blood since 2013 to pay forward the help given to him by the Korean Red Cross when he was an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) there.

“Nagkaroon ako ng sakit sa Korea. Ang Red Cross hospital ang nagassist sa akin. Noong umuwi ako dito, bilang pagtanaw ng utang na loob, hindi ako nagdalawang isip na magdonate ng dugo. Kung tayo man ay pinagkalooban ng malusog na pangangatawan, ibalik natin ng walang bayad,” he said.

In 28 years, the Sagip Dugtog Buhay program has collected more than 69,000 units of blood, and helped over 209,000 patients nationwide.