MAKATI CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has tapped iAcademy for its joint “Dugtong Buhay Movement” bloodletting initiative on November 14 in Makati City.

The Dugtong Buhay Movement is an ongoing initiative spearheaded by the DBM, in partnership with the PRC, that aims to actively involve government agencies and the private sector in efforts to augment the country’s blood supply.

Members of the PCG and PNP, along with some iAcademy students, donated blood, resulting in a total of 280 blood units collected throughout the program.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang and DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman led the event, with iAcademy Chairman and CEO Dr. Vanessa L. Tanco, iAcademy President and COO Raquel Wong, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commander (Civil Relations Service) Teotimo Borja Jr., Southern Police District (SPD) District Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, and other officials from DBM.

Dr. Pang remarked: “We deeply appreciate the collaboration with iAcademy, PCG, and PNP through the efforts of DBM. The Dugtong Buhay Movement epitomizes the spirit of unity and selflessness that underpins the Philippine Red Cross mission of saving lives. We have a proud history of giving essential health services, and our blood program is one of our life-saving efforts. From January to October this year, we have collected 504,000 bags of blood. With this half a million, we have been able to save 259,000 lives. Given our partners’ extensive workforce and influential role in the communities, we will really be able to engage more people to give blood.”

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon thanked the blood donors for their continued generosity and support for blood donation activities. “Giving blood is giving life. We salute you, our everyday heroes, for your willingness to serve humanity.”

“This event marks the first time the Dugtong Buhay Movement has partnered with a private academic institution in such a direct and impactful way. As we donate blood today, let us commit to making it a regular part of our lives. Bawat patak na dugo na ating makokolekta, katumbas nito ang madaming buhay na pwede natin maisalba,” said Sec. Pangandaman.

“We thank our partners for spearheading this very important advocacy. Every donation matters. This is not only a chance to make a difference, but quite literally a way to save lives. By donating blood, we’re providing a lifetime to people in need, and giving hope to families,” added iAcademy Chairman Tanco.

Meanwhile, PCG Commander Borja Jr., and SPD Brig. Gen. Yang affirmed the PCG and PNP’s commitment to supporting blood donation programs, and encouraging more of their personnel to volunteer for this noble cause.

The PRC is the country’s major blood supplier with 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers.