Over 1,000 blood bags collected in blood donation drive of GMA Kapuso Foundation, Philippine Red Cross

In celebration of GMA Integrated News pillar Mel Tiangco's upcoming birthday on August 10, the GMA Kapuso Foundation along with the Philippine Red Cross held a blood donation drive on Friday through the foundation's Sagip Dugtong Buhay project. 

According to Tiangco's report in "24 Oras," a total of 1,278 blood bags were collected as of 6:50 p.m. on Friday. 

Among those who donated blood at the event was 64-year-old Victoria Marcelino, who traveled all the way to Quezon City from Baguio City. 

"Pinaghandaan ko po tapos pinagpray ko kasi nga po 'yung pamasahe, eh awa ng Diyos ay nagbigay ang Panginoon ng biyaya kaya may pamasahe po ako papunta dito. Wala man po akong maiambag ngayon baka sa mga susunod meron po, pero ito pong buhay ko naihandog ko naman po sa ibang tao," she said. 

Tiangco, who is also GMA Kapuso Foundation's special adviser, graced the blood donation drive earlier today, where she honored those who took their time to help others and donate blood. 

"Meron tao kang mapapagaling saan mang lupalop siya naroroon, meron kayong taong mapapasaya, meron taong mabibigyan niyo ng pag-asa sa buhay, merong taong nangangailangan na ikaw ang sasagip. Bata man 'yan, matanda, babae, lalake, napakalaking biyaya ang nakalaan para sa inyong lahat," said Tiangco.

According to Philippine Red Cross Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, the non-profit organization has been working with GMA for 29 years now. 

"All those years, ang ating nakolektang dugo ay nasa 73,373 units or bags of blood," she said. 

Several performers brought joy to the bloodletting activity, including Cloud 7, Neathan Tan, Ronnie Liang, Rollan Millan, Princess Cañete, Cye Soriano, PNP Dancers, Tessbomb, Nadj Zablan and Gazzingan, Noli Bernardo, Lady Gracia, Papa Yohan, Barangy LS 97.1 Forever. 

Meanwhile, Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes dedicated a special birthday video message to Tiangco at the end of the segment. 

"I would like to say that I thank you for everything, for being an inspiration not just to me but for everyone here in GMA and I wish for your birthday syempre ang gusto nating lahat eh magkaroon po kayo ng parating maayos na kalusugan," said Dingdong Dantes. 

Sparkle stars Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo also greeted the veteran broadcast journalist a happy birthday and wished her good health. 

For those who wish to support GMA Kapuso Foundation's projects, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, and Shopee. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News