Before 2025 ended, 30 individuals shared their “gift of life” through the blood donation drive organized by the Padayon UP Public Service Office and The Medical City Clark.
DILIMAN, Quezon City — To help with the shortage of blood for areas hit by disasters and rural hospitals, the Padayon UP Public Service Office conducted the blood donation drive “Handog Ko’y Dugo Ngayong Pasko” on 10 December 2025, at Fonacier Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.
In partnership with the Blood Bank and Transfusion Services of The Medical City (TMC) Clark, Padayon UP received 64 online-registered and walk-in prospective donors during the drive, 40 of whom proceeded with on-site registration on the day of the event, with 30 successfully donating blood after passing the screening process.
The project began after TMC Clark signified their intent to partner with Padayon UP, following their discovery of the earlier blood donation drive with the Philippine Red Cross in April 2025, which opened up opportunities for public service collaboration between the two institutions.
In line with its mandate and strategic plans, Padayon UP advanced the project to deliver direct public service, broaden its network of partners, and deepen engagement with internal and external stakeholders. UP System and UP Diliman employees were granted official time to take part in the activity.
Prior to the actual blood donation activity, a virtual orientation was held on December 5 via Zoom and livestreaming to help prepare prospective donors by discussing blood donation procedures, safety protocols, and key requirements to ensure a safe and successful activity.
Amiel Christian Beltran, Blood Coordinator at TMC Clark, emphasized the value of blood donation, especially during the holiday season, and noted that such an act offers a sense of fulfillment by helping others without expecting anything in return.
“Lingid naman sa kaalaman na ‘pag nag-donate ka, nakakagaan ng pakiramdam dahil nakakatulong ka sa kapwa nang wala kang hinihinging kapalit,” he said.
Expressing appreciation for those who participated in the blood drive, Beltran thanked the donors for giving time despite their busy schedules.
“Sobrang thank you kasi despite their busy schedules sa kanilang mga trabaho, they gave a few minutes of their time [to donate blood]. Iba ‘yung feeling na nakapag-donate sila,” he said, adding that the collected blood contributes significantly to their facility’s available supply.
Beltran described the partnership with Padayon UP as well-coordinated and meaningful, citing the assistance and support extended to their medical team throughout the activity. He expressed hope that future blood donation drives would be larger and would attract more donors, particularly students.
“Mas maganda, mas malaki, mas maraming tao,” he said, noting the importance of encouraging more people to realize how much they can contribute through blood donation.
According to Beltran, the blood collected through the drive will not be used exclusively for TMC Clark patients but will also be distributed to other hospitals that rely on their collecting facility.
Beneficiaries include patients with cancer, anemia, and dengue. “One donation can save up to three lives,” he said, emphasizing the ripple effect of every donor’s contribution.
The activity was supported by the Office of the Vice President for Public Affairs, the UP Diliman Office of the Chancellor, the Office of Alumni Relations, and the UP Diliman Campus Maintenance Office, with the assistance of other UP units that helped amplify the call for donors.