Students from various tertiary institutions, such as Saint Paul School of Professional Studies, Leyte Normal University, Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban, Visayas State University in Tolosa and Baybay, Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation, and St. Scholastica's College Tacloban Inc., played a significant role in supporting the event.
These schools were selected not only for their potential to aid the blood program's objectives but also for their capability to inspire healthy lifestyle choices among the younger generation. In appreciation of their efforts, the highest-performing schools were recognized with awards, encouraging their continued participation in this crucial life-saving initiative.
Janferson Sevilla, a fourth-year criminology student from Leyte Colleges, echoed the sentiment shared by many donors, emphasizing the profound impact of their contributions.
"In this kind of event, I can say that it is beneficial to encourage more people to donate their blood and also to have a better disposition towards others and to help those in need of blood," she said, highlighting the ripple effect of kindness and compassion.
The DOH has set an ambitious goal for this year's Blood Olympics to collect 2,000 units of blood from schools across Leyte. The program aims to collect around 200 bags of blood every month to help alleviate the blood supply shortage in Eastern Visayas.
Victoria Pagarao, donor recruitment officer of DOH Eastern Visayas Regional Blood Center, extended their heartfelt gratitude to all blood donors, participating schools, the Eastern Visayas Medical Center Blood Bank, the Philippine Red Cross, and other stakeholders for their invaluable support to the blood program's cause of saving lives.
“Their contribution is really significant in addressing the ongoing need to enhance the blood supply of Eastern Visayas and in promoting the ‘Blood is Life’ through a culture of altruism and community service,” she said.