by Mary Rose B. Manlangit and Darryl Joi P. Fuentes

A total of 118 persons have donated blood in this year’s Sandugan bloodletting activity of the Red Cross Youth of University of the Philippines Los Baños (RCY-UPLB) in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Laguna Chapter, held August 15, 2012 at the UPLB College of Human Ecology (CHE) Lobby.

This year’s turnout is 20 percent higher compared to the 98 donors recorded last year. This is according to Blood Program Committee Head  Genevive Paroan of the RCY-UPLB citing that there were actually 150  persons who registered  but others were not  qualified as donors. She said that the purpose of the activity is to collect blood that will be used readily by patients during emergencies. The donated blood will be brought to the PRC Laguna Chapter blood bank for testing and safekeeping. Paroan explained that 500 cc or about two cups of blood is being contracted from a donor’s body and right after the procedure they assist and provide snacks for the donors.

According to Riana Joyce Ortega, a junior BS Industrial Engineering student, donating blood gives her the feeling of fulfillment because in her own way she can help the people in need of blood in the community.

Because of the RCY of UPLB’s efforts in promoting Sanduguan, people became more aware about the insufficient blood supply in local blood banks.

“Being my first time to donate blood, this is also an opportunity for me to know my blood type and to assess my health status,” said Ferdinand Esguerra, a freshman BS Electrical Engineering student here, adding that he would also want to help those people looking for blood donors.

On the other hand, an Instructor of the Learning Place Los Baños and a graduate of the BA Communication Arts program of UPLB, Alex Crisologo, said that since he had entered college, it has been his practice to donate blood during bloodletting activities. He also added that this is his way to help a patient in need to use his blood ready during emergency.

The blood letting activity was opened to UPLB students and to all people in the Los Baños community who are willing to donate blood.  Qualifications of the donor are 16 years old and above, at least 50 kg in weight, have no tattoo and piercing, and have no open wounds. Donors who are 17 years below are to secure their parent’s consent.

The activity was conducted in partnership with the Rotary Club Los Baños Makiling,  Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Shirts Avenue, Aqua Altria, and Jerico’s Bakeshop.

The Sanduguan was the first bloodletting activity of RCY-UPLB this academic year. Annually, they have three major bloodletting activities, the Sandaguan which is being held every first semester of the academic year; the Bloodline: The Pledge of Life, during second semester where RCY-UPLB awards the eldest and youngest blood donor; and the Bloodiest Rumble which is being participated by the UPLB organizations during February Fair.

The RCY-UPLB is under the supervision of PRC Laguna Chapter wherein the facilities used as well as the two physicians and the four nurses who administered in the bloodletting activity were from the PRC Laguna Chapter.

This coming September 10, the RCY-UPLB will be holding an HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Seminar at the NCAS Auditorium, UPLB.