Picture from SNS webpage: Empowering Communities, Saving Lives:UB Earns Top 2 Hall of Fame Award from Philippine Red Cross
Written by: Farah Jane J. Musni | Photographed by: Reden Magat Jr.
The University of Baguio (UB) was honored with the prestigious Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Hall of Fame Award on August 29, 2022, in recognition of its continuous and outstanding support in the promotion of voluntary blood donation. UB’s remarkable contribution of 3,736 units of blood spanning 22 years has cemented its role as an active partner of the Philippine Red Cross in saving lives by ensuring an adequate supply of safe and quality blood in the community.
The award was formally presented by Mr. Richard J. Gordon, Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, who commended UB for its unwavering dedication to this life-saving cause. The Hall of Fame distinction symbolizes not only a record of donation volume but UB’s vital part in a humanitarian movement that significantly impacts the health and welfare of countless individuals in the Philippines.
A Longstanding Partnership to Save Lives
The partnership between the Philippine Red Cross and the University of Baguio began in 1998 in response to the growing demand for blood supply in the community. This collaboration was initiated by the university’s founders, Dr. Fernando Gonzaga Bautista and Rosa Castillo Bautista, alongside the university administration, faculty, and students. The university president has consistently encouraged university employees and stakeholders to embody the spirit of altruism and volunteerism through blood donation.
For over two decades, the University of Baguio has sustained annual blood donation activities, accumulating more than 1,831,950 cc of blood collected to date. In addition to blood donation drives, the university actively supports the fund generation campaigns and other community services facilitated by the Philippine Red Cross – Baguio City Chapter, amplifying its community impact.
Thematic to this enduring partnership is the call to “Celebrate Giving: Thank You Blood Donors!” a tribute to the generosity of all who donate and make life-saving assistance possible.
Fomalizing Collaboration: Memorandum of Agreement
To strengthen and formalize its partnership, the University of Baguio (UB) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) renewed their commitment through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on April 29, 2022, in Baguio City. This agreement outlines the shared responsibilities and coordination mechanisms to conduct regular blood donation activities under the program “Dugong UB”.
The MOA was officially signed by Dr. Gwendolyn T. Pang, Secretary General of the PRC, and Dr. Janice Kaylyn K. Lonogan, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of Baguio. The MOA specifically details the following collaborative responsibilities:
- UB’s Responsibility: UB must schedule a regular blood donation activity at least every three (3) months and coordinate the scheduled date, convenient venue, and number of donors in advance with the PRC.
- PRC’s Responsibility: The PRC is responsible for providing the necessary manpower, logistics, supplies, materials, and equipment for the blood donation activities, including the necessary screening procedures. Both groups will also jointly undertake the promotion and dissemination of information to generate support and participation among its members, families, and the public.
- Blood Provision for UB Members: The PRC agrees to prioritize and provide immediate assistance to UB employees in need of blood, depending on the availability of stock. Furthermore, in cases of emergencies or usual blood needs, the PRC shall make sufficient blood units available to its members upon presentation of necessary documents. A corresponding blood processing fee is collected from every recipient unless specified coverage by a partner under the Blood Samaritan Program.
- Coordination and Review: The UB School of Natural Sciences (SNS) and the PRC will maintain a system of liaison to ensure effective and efficient coordination in the implementation of the MOA. The agreement took effect upon signing and is subject to annual partnership review and evaluation to improve teamwork and keep efforts effective over time.
Significance and Sustainable Impact
The University of Baguio’s unwavering support for the Philippine Red Cross’ blood services aligns with multiple SDGs, primarily SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by facilitating access to safe blood essential for medical treatments and emergencies. Their commitment also reflects SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting effective multi-sector collaborations for community health advancement.
Moreover, engaging students, faculty, and staff in blood donation nurtures a culture of altruism and social responsibility within the university community, fostering lifelong values beyond the campus.
