Community unites in Davao to combat critical blood shortage crisis

A blood drive took place on 28 June 2026 to tackle the country’s ongoing blood shortage. The event aimed to boost voluntary donations and educate the public on giving blood. Organisers set a goal of collecting donations from 50 people by the end of the day. The drive was a joint effort by Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao’s Medical Technology-Medical Laboratory Science Department, the Philippine Red Cross Davao City Chapter, SM City Davao, and SM Cares Foundation. By early afternoon, more than half of the target donors had already signed up.

Prospective donors needed a hemoglobin level of at least 12.5 grams per deciliter to qualify. Most participants at the event had O-positive blood, the most common type, while B-negative remained the rarest. Each donation could potentially save up to three lives.

Maria Leiraine Magno, a staff member at the college, donated for the first time. Another first-time donor, Jera Crisna Arquina, urged others to get screened before assuming they were ineligible. Organisers expressed confidence in reaching their target of 50 donors. The event highlighted the importance of blood donation in addressing shortages. It also encouraged more people to consider becoming regular donors.