BACOLOD CITY – Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Monday praised the collaboration between government agencies, private institutions, and individuals for their collective efforts in supporting the Dugtong Buhay Movement, a nationwide blood donation campaign aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
Speaking at a joint bloodletting event held at STI West Negros University, Pangandaman emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives in addressing urgent health needs.
“When schools, government agencies, organizations, and individuals come together with a shared purpose, we create a real impact,” she said.
The Dugtong Buhay Movement, founded and led by Pangandaman, includes the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), academic institutions, and other stakeholders in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
“Our movement is a great example of how collaboration can lead to meaningful and lifesaving results,” she added. “This initiative shows that by pooling our efforts, no matter how big or small, we can address urgent needs in our communities, like the continuous demand for safe and adequate blood supply.”
During Monday’s drive, at least 362 bags of blood were collected from student volunteers, school staff, and uniformed personnel. To date, the movement has gathered over 3,300 bags of blood, with more than 2,000 units coming from STI campuses nationwide.
Pangandaman cited PRC reports stating that the country needs at least one million blood units annually to meet patient needs.
“By donating blood, we are not merely extending another life; we are also creating a cycle of kindness that reflects the very essence of solidarity,” she said.
Also present during the event were AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, and STI West Negros University Vice President for Academic Affairs Frederick Beroya.