FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City—Amid the high demand for blood due to the rising cases of dengue in the country, a memorandum of undertaking that intensifies the partnership on blood donation campaign between the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Army Signal Regiment (ASR) of the Philippine Army was signed on February 18, 2025, at the ASR Headquarters in Taguig City.
The agreement states that the PRC and ASR shall conduct a regular blood donation activity to ensure continuous and ready availability of blood.
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang pointed out the importance of the partnership to contribute to the nation’s blood requirement.
“Sa ating bansa, ang pangangailangan natin ng dugo ay nasa 1.2 million bags of blood annually. Ang PRC ay nakakalikom ng more than 500,000 bags of blood, ang remaining amount of blood ay galing sa iba’t ibang private and government organizations. As a single organization, tayo po ang may pinakamalaking ambag. Nag-invest po talaga ang Red Cross ng 108 blood service facilities all over the country, para kahit saan ka man magpunta ay may access ang tao sa dugo,” Dr. Pang said.
“Hindi lamang po ito isang pormal na kasunduan, ito po ay isang panata na patuloy nating gagampanan ang ating mga tungkulin hindi lang sa pagtatanggol sa ating bayan, kundi pati na rin sa pagsagip ng buhay sa pamamagitan ng blood donation,” Dr. Pang added.
“This MOU is not just a document but a testament to our shared commitment to service that extends beyond our sworn duty to protect our nation, reaching the very core of humanitarian assistance—sharing our precious blood so that others may live. Salamat sa inyo dahil maraming pagkakataon na nabigyan ng dugo ang sugatan namin mga kasama sa field. As we sign this agreement, let this be the start of a strengthened partnership. Together, we ensure that no call for help is left unanswered and no life is lost due to lack of resources,” Brig. Gen. Jamel Samonte PA stressed.
336 blood units have been collected since the partnership between the PRC and ASR began in 2021.
The next nationwide bloodletting activity of PRC and ASR will take place on March 7 this year.
With Quezon City recently declaring a dengue outbreak and the Department of Health reporting an upward trend in cases—surpassing 28,000 as of February—Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon assures the public that a sufficient blood supply is readily available for those affected by the mosquito-borne disease.
The City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (CESD) of the Quezon City Health Department reported a surge in dengue cases from January 1 to February 14, with 1,769 recorded—nearly a 200% increase compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) reported a 40% rise in nationwide cases, with a total of 28,234 cases logged.
“I always remind everyone that the Red Cross is ready to provide blood anytime, anywhere—libre at laging may dugo sa Red Cross. With the rising demand for blood, especially as dengue cases increase across the country, we are committed to ensuring that every hospital has the supply it needs to save lives,” said PRC Chairman Gordon.
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang stressed the importance of blood donation as demand for blood is high during dengue outbreaks.
“I encourage everyone to make blood donation your lifestyle because this is not only good for your health, but it also helps save lives,” Dr. Pang said.
The PRC reiterated the organization’s capacity to supply blood. From January to mid-February of 2025, the PRC was able to dispense 1,078 blood units for dengue cases, a 106% increase from 524 blood units in 2024.
Moreover, the PRC served 360 dengue patients from January to mid-February of 2025, a 109% increase in the number of patients provided with blood compared to 172 patients from the previous year.
The PRC has 102 chapters nationwide, 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers.
For blood assistance and other emergencies, the public may call the PRC hotline 143.
QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Quezon City Chapter acquired a brand-new bloodmobile truck from Foton Motors Philippines Inc. on February 3, intensifying the capacity of the PRC QC Chapter in blood collection to help more vulnerable people in need of blood transfusion to live.
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, on behalf of PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon, mentioned, “On behalf of the PRC family, we would like to thank Foton Motors Philippines Inc. for this top-class bloodmobile truck. This will allow us to bring lifesaving blood donation services closer to communities and people, ensuring a steady supply of safe blood for patients who need it most.”
In addition to the donated bloodmobile truck from Foton, a blood laboratory from SM Foundation Inc., a water outboard motor from the PRC QC Chapter Dir. Johnny Yu, and 15 sets of firefighter suits courtesy of the PRC Board of Directors were also turned over.
“We also express our deep appreciation to SM Foundation for their generous donation to converting our warehouse to a blood laboratory. This facility will enhance our capacity to process, test, and store blood efficiently; ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality, to Dir. Johnny Yu, your donation of water outboard will greatly strengthen our emergency response, especially during floods. And to our PRC QC Chapter Board of Directors for donating 15 sets of firefighter suits which will enhance the safety and effectiveness of our firefighter volunteers in responding to fire. Each donation is a testament to the power of collaboration and unwavering humanitarian spirit that drives the PRC,” Dr. Pang added.
Representative of Foton Philippines President Rommel Sytin, Kenneth Sytin said, “This donation of a mobile truck is our way of supporting critical missions, ensuring that blood is available in times of emergencies. We share the Red Cross’ commitment to saving lives in a timely and efficient manner.”
Representative of SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs and PRC QC Chapter Board of Director Connie Angeles, Albert Uy cited, “The transformation of this warehouse into a blood laboratory is not just a renovation, but a testament to our shared commitment to health, wellness, and wellbeing of our community.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of the National Council for Fire Volunteer Organizations of the Philippines and PRC QC Chapter Board of Director Johnny Yu remarked, “The PRC has always been a beacon of hope and inspiration. Our collective efforts have touched countless lives—transformed communities and created lasting change. We are a driving force in fighting diseases, providing blood services, supporting education and training, and disaster resiliency. With this, we would continue to support the PRC in whatever manner we can.”
In 2024, the PRC collected 588,575 blood units; dispensed 608,484 blood bags; and served 301,852 patients.
MANILA, Philippines — Harnessing the wide sphere and sheer power of the public and private sectors, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC)’s joint bloodletting initiative, “Dugtong Buhay Movement,” has already collected a total of 1,067 blood units in its first five-month rollout, serving as a testament to many Filipinos’ readiness to help secure the nation’s blood supply.
With the contributions of the Movement, the PRC has collected a total of 544,663 blood units from January to date this year, surpassing the 538,769 units collected in 2023. The blood collected and dispensed have been able to help save the lives of 276,851 patients.
Through the leadership of DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and the steadfast support of PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, the blood drive has amassed highly-influential partners such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, the local government of San Fernando, La Union, and iAcademy; all of whom have pledged to engage their constituents in regular voluntary blood donations.
On December 6, it conducted its fifth mass bloodletting drive, this time in partnership with the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) – Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Ermita, Manila. UP’s affiliate organizations (UP Pahinungod, Phi Kappa Mu and Mu Sigma Phi Fraternities, and Phi Lambda Delta and Mu Sigma Phi Sororities) and personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) also volunteered to donate their blood in the program. A total of 154 blood units were collected during the activity.
“We are happy and proud to be a partner of DBM. Ensuring our country has an ample blood supply is a whole team, whole nation effort. With Secretary Amenah at the helm, DBM has put so much love in this initiative that we’ve done together since August. Sec. Amenah has been very hands-on in ensuring the success of these blood drives, and because of that great leadership, the Philippine Red Cross is 100 percent committed to the Dugtong Buhay Movement. We hope we inspire more partners to join us because we have been able to help many patients through the blood we have collected,” said Dr. Pang,
She also stressed the PRC’s dedication to helping PGH, which is at the top of the PRC’s blood supply distribution network. Just this year, the PRC has provided the PGH with 12,856 blood bags, aiding 3,735 patients. In the past, the PRC and PGH have collaborated on establishing a field hospital during the measles outbreak, augmenting equipment and staff of the health unit, creating a triage area and providing personal protective equipment (PPEs) to PGH frontliners. 32 students under a PRC scholarship are also currently studying in UP Manila College of Medicine.
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon also expressed his support for the blood donation program, noting that the PRC will continue to mobilize its health units, volunteers, and staff, as well as provide resources, to ensure the success of all the mass bloodletting activities under the Dugtong Buhay Movement.
Meanwhile, Secretary Pangandaman thanked the PRC, PCG, and PNP, who have been her constant partners in this initiative since day one. “Sa lahat ng ating mga donors at volunteers, maraming-maraming salamat po. Truly you are not just life savers, but life givers.”
“Sa inyong partisipasyon, pinapakita ninyo ang tunay na diwa ng pagkakaisa at serbisyo na nagpapalakas ng ating komunidad. Napakahalaga ng aktibidad na ito dahil nakapagbibigay tayo ng isang bagay na libre pero walang katumbas na halaga — ang pagdugtong ng buhay. Araw-araw, madaming tao, lalo na ang mga bata, ang nangangailangan nito. Sa bawat dugong ibinabahagi natin, natutulungan natin ang mga nangangailangan tulad ng mga pasyenteng may cancer, mga nanay at nanganganak, at mga biktima ng aksidente na makasama ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ng mas matagal pa. Ngayong holiday season, ang dugong inyong handog ay maituturing na po nating maagang pamasko para sa mga nangangailangan. Nakakataba po sa puso na makitang habang lumilipas ang panahon, patuloy na lumalawak ang saklaw at epekto ng ating inisyatiba. Habang tumatagal dumadami po ang ating mga partners at volunteers na handang tumulong. Mas lumalaki po ang ating Dugtong Buhay Movement,” she said.
Moreover, UPM-PGH Director Dr. Gerardo D. Legaspi, and UPM Chancellor Dr. Michael L. Tee shared their gratitude and delight to have the institution as part of the Movement since the demand for blood is very high in the hospital, seeing as they serve 700,000 patients a year and conduct around 30,000 operations.
Other key guests who gave messages of support for the initiative at the event were PCG National Capital Region (NCR) – Central Luzon Acting Commander Commo. Arnaldo M. Lim, Manila Police District (MPD) Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, and BJMP Medical Division Chief JSupt. John Paul Borlongan.
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 nationwide. Under the directive of Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, the PRC aims to provide 70 percent of the country’s overall supply of blood.
PAMPANGA, Philippines—The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) held the second year of the Kadugo Recognition Ceremony which recognizes PRC’s blood donors and partners in Central Luzon on November 13.
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang graced the occasion. Meanwhile, PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon gave an inspirational message to awardees and guests virtually as he is leading the ongoing operations of the PRC for typhoons Nika (international name: Toraji) and Ofel (international name: Usagi) affecting most parts of Luzon.
“Since 1947, we have been the first blood bank in the nation, delivering lifesaving blood to hospitals across the country. We are the number one blood provider, and because of your unwavering support, countless lives are saved every day. As co-chair of the National Blood Council, I stand firm in the belief that no hospital should ever be without blood, and no person should ever be deprived of the lifesaving resource they need. Chairman Gordon stated.
345 blood allies and benefactors of the PRC in Bulacan, Pampanga, Olongapo, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Tarlac, and Aurora were awarded Blood Samaritan Awards, Outstanding Blood Services Partners of the Year, Special Awards, Testimonial Plaque, Blood Services Platinum Awards, Scroll of Honor, Diploma of Service, and Certificate of Appreciation.
“Please know that your efforts have made a difference. You’re unsung heroes, and your actions speak volumes about the power of kindness and humanity. Every donation you make and every bit of support you offer is a testament to your compassion and commitment to saving lives. Your contributions ensure that we can continue to provide lifesaving blood to those in need, delivering hope and healing to countless individuals and their families,” remarked Dr. Gwen Pang.
The PRC remains the country’s major blood supplier. According to the PRC Blood Services, it collected 504,590 blood units and served 259,978 patients from January to October 2024. PRC’s target is to reach approximately 750,000 blood units this year.
Additionally, the PRC Chapters in Region 3 contributed a total of 47,243 blood units to the seven chapter blood facilities of the PRC that supported 22,398 patients in need of blood transfusion and 561 partner hospitals.
To date, the PRC has 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers.
MANDALUYONG, Philippines—In an effort to enhance its blood services by embracing technology and innovation, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) National Blood Services made another significant milestone in the country’s blood donation history as it formally introduced the Hololens Mixed Reality Headset for blood donors in partnership with Abbott to media partners and PRC Chapter representatives on October 15.
This technological advancement aims to improve the overall blood donation experience of donors by reducing anxiety and making blood donation fun and relaxing.
“We’re always first, always ready, and always there. For the first time in the Philippines, we are introducing this innovation with Abbott to encourage more people to donate blood and save lives. At the Red Cross, we elevate expectations and ensure we’re always ahead of the curve. This breakthrough will be the starting point of more advancements when it comes to intensifying our blood donation campaign,” remarked PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon.
“The PRC remains the leading blood supplier in the country. In 2023, the PRC collected 47% of the country’s total blood collection—a remarkable 538,769 blood units. Of this, 19% came from walk-in donors. To sustain and grow these numbers, the PRC is committed to innovating the donation process through technology. We aim to attract more young donors and ease any anxiety they may feel about giving blood and make people realize that donating blood must be a part of their lives,” added PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang.
“We thank the PRC for this partnership. Abbott continues to innovate to engage, attract, and retain our blood donors worldwide. Our mission is to transform and take blood donation into a new dimension. The PRC is the very first to adopt this technological innovation in blood donation in the Philippines,” said Abbott’s Marketing Manager for Asia Pacific Wendy Wan.
According to Abbott, mixed reality is similar to virtual reality but allows users to see the real world around them as they immerse themselves in a digital world. The experience is meant to help those who may be anxious about giving blood, providing a calming distraction and a fun way to participate. It also allows blood donation professionals to safely conduct the donation and interact with donors at every step of the process.
Additionally, the mixed reality uses Microsoft HoloLens 2 headsets, the world’s first self-contained holographic computer, enabling hands-free interaction with three-dimensional digital objects and a library of applications.
The new mixed reality blood donation experience will soon be available for people to use at select PRC blood centers, blood service facilities, and blood collection stations nationwide.
Mandaluyong, Philippines — In a nationwide effort to celebrate National Heroes Day in the best way, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) organized simultaneous mass blood donation drives across 24 sites on August 25, 2024. This massive undertaking was designed to commemorate the heroism of the nation’s forebears by inspiring modern-day acts of heroism through blood donation.
The blood donation sites spanned the entire country, reflecting a collective commitment to saving lives and reinforcing the spirit of service that National Heroes Day represents. The donation sites included major locations in Mandaluyong, Rizal, Pasig, Makati, Malabon, Laguna, Palawan, Sorsogon, Antique, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato, General Santos and Batanes; two sites in Batangas, Baguio, Cagayan and Zamboanga del Sur; and three sites in Iloilo.
A Highlight in Tarlac: Philippine Army and PRC Join Forces
Among the various sites, a significant blood donation event was held at the Armor Division in Camp O’Donnell, Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac, a testament to the strong partnership between the PRC and the Philippine Army. The Tarlac event, organized in collaboration with the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, headed by Dr. Isa Suntay, the major sponsor, aimed to collect blood from 1,300 donors from three army divisions—the Armor Division led by its Commander, MGen Pedro Balisi, Jr., the Training & Doctrine Command (TRADOC) led by its Commander, MGen Danilo Benavides, and the Army Support Command (ASCOM) led by its Commander, MGen Rogelio Ulanday.
These three divisions of the Philippine Army through the leadership of its Commander LGen Roy Galido and Vice Commander, MGen Leodevic Guinid, have been steadfast partners of the Tarlac Red Cross Chapter, contributing significantly to its blood donation efforts over the years. TRADOC has been involved since 2017, collecting a total of 1,514 units of blood. ASCOM joined the initiative in 2022 and has since collected 332 units, while the Armor Division Command recently contributed 120 units in a blood drive last June 4, 2024.
Aside from the PRC Tarlac Chapter, three nearby chapters also joined the mass blood donation – PRC Bataan, PRC Nueva Ecija and PRC Pampanga.
A Nationwide Effort to Save Lives
PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon expressed his appreciation of the Philippine Army’s effort to conduct a simultaneous blood donation to save lives, “More than being grateful, I am extremely proud of our army – kahit kulang ang gamit, you are prepared to fight for your country. Kulang na pero heto kayo at nagbibigay pa rin. You fight for the country and now you help those who are fighting for their lives. Heroes in every sense of the word. Mabuhay kayo! Dahil ngayong araw nakapagbigay kayo ng buhay.”
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang also shared her gratitude for the overwhelming support from volunteers and donors nationwide: “This simultaneous mass blood donation drive is a clear demonstration of the collective spirit of bayanihan that still thrives in our communities. We are proud of every donor and volunteer who took part in this noble cause.”
The PRC continues to rely on the generosity of blood donors and the support of communities nationwide to maintain a stable blood supply. For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, please contact the PRC Blood Call Center by dialing 143 and 1158 nationwide.
For More Information
For more information on future bloodletting events or to learn how you can participate in saving lives, please visit the Philippine Red Cross website or contact your local PRC chapter. Together, we can continue to honor our heroes by making a difference in the lives of others.
MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Jungkookies, the dedicated fan group of BTS member Jungkook, have once again demonstrated that fandom can be a powerful force for good as they host their third annual bloodletting activity on August 24 at the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center (PLMC).
The blood donation drive, dubbed “Golden X Unity: United to Save Lives,” aims to unite ARMYs (BTS fans) and highlight the critical importance of blood donation in saving lives. The event was also held in anticipation of Jungkook’s 27th birthday on September 1, 2024, giving fans a meaningful way to honor their idol by contributing to a life-saving cause.
“Blood donors are heroes, and the blood they give is free. As the major blood supplier in the country, the PRC is committed to providing safe and quality blood supply for all,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon.
JV Vidal, Jungkookies’ Head Admin, expressed the fan group’s heartfelt motivation, saying, “This is our way of expressing our love for Jungkook and celebrating his birthday more meaningfully by saving lives. We, Jungkook fans, are not asking for anything in return. I hope that by organizing this kind of activity, we help to spread awareness on the importance of blood donation.”
Highlighting the inclusive spirit of the event, 47-year-old Cristina Antinero, a first-time blood donor and a member of the Red Cross 143 volunteer program since 2018, shared that her six children influenced her to become an ARMY. “Age is not a hindrance to becoming an ARMY and a blood donor,” she added, embodying the event’s message that everyone can contribute to saving lives.
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang emphasized the PRC’s extensive resources to support blood donation efforts: “With PRC’s 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers across the nation, there is sufficient blood supply at the Red Cross.”
The successful bloodletting activity, which ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., gathered 143 blood units from ARMYs and walk-in donors. Since its inception in 2022, the joint bloodletting initiative has collected a total of 401 blood units, reflecting the remarkable impact that fan-driven efforts can have on public health.
For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC National Blood Services at [email protected] and [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center by dialing 143 and 1158 nationwide.
MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided a total of 3,038 blood units to 974 patients infected by dengue fever from the first six months of 2024 as dengue cases continue to rise in the country.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), from January 1 to August 3 this year, 136,161 dengue cases were recorded. This is 33 percent higher than the 102,374 dengue cases reported during the same period last year. Due to the alarming number of dengue cases, several local government units have officially declared dengue outbreaks.
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon assured the public that the PRC is ready to supply blood to support the patients and to help the nation combat the fatal disease.
“Palaging may dugo sa Red Cross, ‘yan ang maipapangako ko sa ating mga kababayan. We deliver blood to hospitals so they don’t have to go to the Red Cross to ask for their blood needs. We delivered 15 units of blood platelets in Southern Leyte from Cebu due to the rising dengue cases in Maasin and we can do the same to other provinces. Libre at ligtas ang dugo sa Red Cross,” Gordon said.
Meanwhile, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added, “Ang blood donation ay napakahalaga dahil mataas ang demand ng dugo sa Pilipinas lalo na ngayon na may dengue outbreak. I encourage everyone to make blood donation your lifestyle dahil hindi lang ito maganda sa kalusugan, nakapagliligtas din ito ng buhay.”
The PRC amplifies the DOH’s 5S campaign to fight dengue: Search and destroy, Self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, Say yes to fogging, and Sustain hydration. It also reminded the citizens that simple continuous fever should not be ignored. Early detection of dengue is crucial; seek immediate medical attention if anyone experiences early symptoms such as high fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, and skin rash.
Currently, the PRC owns 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers nationwide.
The public may call the PRC’s 24/7 hotlines 1158 and 143 for blood assistance.
“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.
Born officially in 1947, but with roots that traces back to the revolutionary days, the Philippine Red Cross has truly become the premier humanitarian organization in the country, committed to provide quality life-saving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations.