Sagip Dugtong Buhay 2015: Amazing deeds, amazing people | GMANetwork.com - Foundation - Articles

The Sagip Dugtong Buhay Bloodletting Project capped its 19th year with 1, 612 bags or 725, 400 cc of blood

Sagip Dugtong Buhay 2015: Amazing deeds, amazing people

August 18 2015

By GIAN GABRIELA A. MANUEL



The Sagip Dugtong Buhay Bloodletting Project of the GMA Kapuso Foundation, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Ever Gotesco Mall and Go Tong Foundation, capped its 19th year of legacy with collecting 1, 612 bags or 725, 400 cc of blood last August 15, 2015 at Ever Gotesco Mall, Commonwealth.


 
As early as eight in the morning, the mall opened its doors to men and women dedicated to the cause of extending or saving lives of others through blood donation. Hosts Tess Bomb and Bea Binene, together with GMAKF Executive Vice President and COO Mel Tiangco, welcomed everyone and started the program. A Catholic mass officiated by Fr. Roland Tuazon preceded the welcoming remarks delivered by Mr. Joshua Ruben Aragon, president of Go Tong Foundation and a message from PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon.
 
It was not only the performances of various artists and groups that splashed color to the event, but also the amazing stories masked by the heroic deed of our blood donors.


 
One of the early birds during the bloodletting project is Mr. Crispin Fernando, who has donated blood 11 times. His dedication to participate is fueled by the memory of his late brother, who died of leukemia. He narrated how difficult it was for their family to find a qualified donor when his brother needed blood most. After donating for the first time in 2010, he made it a pledge to donate to the foundation’s project every February and August yearly. Even work is not an excuse for him not to donate. Be late or absent for work, he said he always sets apart his time for the Sagip Dugtong Buhay Bloodletting Project. He also highlighted how his health improved since he started giving blood, saying that sometimes, he even go straight to work after donating.


 
Not drinking alcohol paid off, Mr. Melchur Añonuevo, 40, was able to save the life of his boss who had a heart attack in 2004. He was the only one in the office who was qualified to donate blood when the incident happened. In 2009, he started donating blood again, and has been a regular donor for 7 years now. Having no family of his own, he said that there is no better way than spending his free time, but in helping others in any way he can.


 
Mary Krist Avanceña, 29, a first-time donor brought her very own cheering squad, composed of none other than her three adorable children. Asked about her thoughts whilst lying in the bed and donating, she said, “Baka sakali, hindi na rin maranasan ng ibang tao yung mga naranasan namin dati.” She expressed that she commiserates with those who need blood, having experienced the hardship of the hunt when his grandfather’s condition required some.

Now, the Sagip Dugtong Buhay Bloodletting Project looks on to calling out to more heroes and to extending and saving more lives in 2016.

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