A total of 117 individuals donated blood during the Sanduguan bloodletting activity of the Red Cross Youth of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (RCY of UPLB) in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Laguna Chapter on August 14 at the lobby of the College of Human Ecology UPLB.
Ma. Sofia Irene Escolano, RCY of UPLB Blood Program Committee Head, said that it was almost the same number compared to last year’s Sanduguan with 118 donors. A total of 214 persons actually registered but others were not qualified as donors.
The bloodletting activity was opened to UPLB students and members of the Los Baños community who were willing to join. Snacks, certificate and souvenirs were given to donors right after the procedure. The donated blood were brought to PRC Laguna Chapter blood bank for testing and safekeeping.
According to Fertina Gellen Resuello, a third year BS Chemical Engineering student, donating blood gives her a different experience and it gives her the sense of contentment. With the blood she donated, she felt that she could directly save lives.
The purpose of the annual activity is to collect blood that can be used readily by patients during emergencies. To be a qualified donor, one should be: 16 years old and above, at least 50 kg in weight, have no new tattoo and piercing for the past year, have no open wounds and have slept at least six hours. Minors who are 17 years old and below should have consent from their parents or guardians. About two cups of blood or 500 cc is being contracted from a donor’s body, this can help approximately three patients in an emergency room.
The major partner organizations of the activity were the Rotary Club of Los Baños Makiling and UPLB Corps of Sponsors. Other sponsors were: Alliance of Industrial Engineering Majors of UPLB; UP Cell Biological Society; UP Phytopathological Society; Society of Applied Mathematics of UPLB; UP Entomological Society; UPLB Grange Association; Alpha Sigma Fraternity; and Miguyz eatery.
The Sanduguan is the first bloodletting activity of RCY of UPLB this academic year. They have three major bloodletting activities annually including Bloodline: The Pledge of Life, done every second semester wherein the organization awards the eldest and youngest blood donor and the Bloodiest Rumble which is being participated in by the UPLB organizations during the February Fair.
The bloodletting activities of the RCY of UPLB are under the supervision of PRC Laguna Chapter who supplies the facilities, physicians and nurses. (Mary Rose B. Manlangit)