PASIG CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has once again teamed up with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the “Dugtong Buhay Movement” bloodletting program on September 24 at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City, collecting a total of 313 blood units from donors from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). 

The initiative aims to tap various government agencies in order to encourage government workers to donate blood, complementary to the daily blood donation campaign of the PRC. 

Among the honored guests at the program were DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Mr. Richard Bachmann, MMDA General Manager USec. Procopio Lipana,  PRC Medical Officer Dr. Gerald Valeriano, PRC Gov. Jenny Munar, and PCG Deputy CG7 Commander Raymond Torremonia. 

This blood drive follows the first “Dugo Ko, Buhay Mo” bloodletting drive of the DBM, PCG, and PRC that was held last August 15 at the PCG headquarters in Manila. The event aimed to collect blood from hundreds of donors from the PCG and MMDA. 

“Blood cannot be manufactured. Every drop of blood that is given to a patient comes from the selflessness and generosity of people like our donors from the PCG and MMDA. Joint programs such as these are proof that strong public-private sector partnerships will bring us closer to ensuring blood is available and accessible to every Filipino. We thank Secretary Pangandaman, PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gavan, and Chairman Artes for being our steadfast partners in this mission,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon. 

“We are grateful to the DBM for its staunch support of the Red Cross over the years, as well as the PCG and MMDA, especially in its commitment to help us reach our yearly blood donation targets. Having an adequate blood supply is essential since many people are in dire need of blood transfusions. We welcome the efforts of all partners and stakeholders in helping us reach this goal,” added PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang. 

“Red Cross is the only reliable organization that we can partner with in terms of getting support on the blood donation drive. The DBM is here to help and meet that 100 percent blood donation target,” remarked DBM Secretary Pangandaman. 

In 2023, the PRC collected 537,523 units of blood. From January to September 24, 2024, it has collected 425,769 blood units. Under the directive of Chairman Gordon, the PRC aims to provide 70 percent of the country’s much needed blood supply.