2017 EJB Memorial Day Raises 330 Blood Bags
By: Eduard M. Solomon | September 18, 2017
A total of 330 blood bags were collected during the 2017 EJB Memorial Day Bloodletting Activity conducted by the Philippine College of Criminology, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross and the GMA Kapuso Foundation and in coordination with the Rotary Club of Binondo Prime on September 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the PCCR JFAB Multi-Purpose Hall.
The activity, with the theme “Dugong PCCR, Dugong Bayani”, started 26 years ago as a brainchild of the late PCCR President, Dr. Eduardo J. Bautista, in celebration of his birthday. Upon its inception, it aimed to promote the values of social consciousness, public service and advocacy to the students, faculty, and employees of the school. To this day, years after his unfortunate passing, the PCCR community upholds these values and continues the tradition that the esteemed “EJB” began.
This year marked the first time that PCCR partnered with the GMA Kapuso Foundation for the Bloodletting Activity. As a result, the activity was announced on GMA 7’s various TV and radio programs, thus increasing the event’s reach and allowing other people to come and join this worthwhile activity.
A thanksgiving mass was held at 9:30 AM at the San Juan Bautista Chapel and was attended by students, employees, officials of PCCR and other special guests from the Red Cross and the Rotary Club.
It was followed by special tribute for Dr. Bautista which was prepared by the High School division. The entire audience was entertained and awed by select senior high students who performed a special dance number while the program emcee, Teacher Christian Biando, rendered a heartfelt song entitled “Dakilang Lahi”. Other school organizations also entertained the donors and guests by showcasing their special talents.
Various VIPs from Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation and Rotary Club graced the event, including Councilor Terrence Alibarbar of the 3rd District of Manila who also did his share by donating blood on that day.
A free Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) courtesy of Dr. Ma. Cecilia B. Lim was administered to PCCR employees at the Medical Clinic while a feeding program and values formation talk was given by the Rotary Club of Binondo Prime and the Rotaract Club of PCCR to the children of Barangay 309 at the JFAB Lobby.
As a special treat, all the donors were given refreshments, limited edition Dugong PCCR t-shirts and foldable fans plus the chance to win in the raffle wherein Android phones and an LED TV were given as major prizes courtesy of PCCR and the event’s generous sponsors.
The event was capped off with closing remarks given by the Vice President for Administration and Chairperson of the EJB Memorial Day, Chiara Reina L. Datu, who shared the importance of blood donation as she herself was a beneficiary of blood donations when she was hospitalized three times because of dengue fever.
For 26 years, the annual EJB Memorial Day Bloodletting Activity has helped in furthering the cause of this important social responsibility. Each year, more and more people are being educated on the positive effects of this event, and even more are being helped by the blood that is voluntarily donated. So long as there are those who need blood and those who are willing to give it, the PCCR community will surely continue to lead the charge in projects like this for years to come.