𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲

A blood-letting event, hosted by Isagani Masonic Lodge No. 96 and the Tarlac Filipino-Chinese Volunteers Fire Brigade, in partnership with Tarlac State University and in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross – Tarlac Chapter, showcased the community’s commitment to a cause and was held at Tarlac State University – Main Campus on February 13, 2024.

Before the blood-letting activity, an information drive on the services of the Red Cross conducted screening of donors, blood typing, and a physical exam to determine donor eligibility.

According to the Red Cross, the collected blood serves as a lifeline for those in need in hospitals in Tarlac and nearby provinces. It helps patients who are anemic with low hemoglobin, those facing dengue with low platelets, and individuals undergoing dialysis, especially those with cancer.

The collected blood was gathered from students and faculty, with a majority having Type O blood and a limited number having Type B. The organizations expected 100 units of blood, but unfortunately, some students were taking online classes due to a late notice from the University’s recent memorandum.

According to Isagani Masonic Lodge No. 96, their purpose in this blood donation drive is a continuing effort, in collaboration with the Red Cross, to meet the blood needs of patients needing it.

The success of the event was not only measured by the units of blood collected but also by the participation of volunteers from TSU Departments and Organizations, including COS RCYS, JFINEA, NAC, COE, AKP-TSU, CAFA, JPIA, VFP, ENVISOC, PAFT, The Blaze, COESSE, CCJE, CPAG, TSU FRCYC, SCITE, BA, JMA, CASS, Safe Space Society, Piomicron, COS, and CBA.

According to a volunteer from the Federation of Red Cross Youth Council (FRCYC), she once engaged in volunteering for her course ‘Risk, Disaster, and Humanitarian Communication’, found it to be a rewarding experience, and feels a sense of pride in representing her department at the College of Arts and Social Sciences.

𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘴. 𝘈𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘴. 𝘓𝘪𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘴.

____________

Report by Mae Antonio

Photos by Liahona Mercado