The University of Baguio continues its commitment to promoting community health and volunteerism through the Dugong UB Blood Donation Drive held on September 18, 2026, at the UB FGB Hall. The university’s School of Natural Sciences (SNS) facilitated the event in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross – Baguio Chapter and the School of Nursing (SON).
Led by Mr. Ruben V. Nuarin of the School of Natural Sciences, the blood donation drive brought members of the university community together in support of the continued need for a safe and adequate blood supply. The activity collected 84 units of blood, supporting the Philippine Red Cross’ efforts to provide life-saving blood products to individuals in need.
The collaboration between UB and the Philippine Red Cross reflected a longstanding institutional commitment to humanitarian service. The university’s partnership with the PRC dates back to 1998 and has included regular blood donation activities over the years. In recognition of this sustained contribution, UB previously received a Philippine Red Cross Hall of Fame Award after donating 3,736 units of blood over 22 years.
A Tradition Founded by Love and Care: 2026 Dugong UB
The September 2026 activity continued this established tradition of service. Previous Dugong UB initiatives have likewise demonstrated the university community’s capacity to mobilize for public health. In August 2025, the Dugong UBiano Blood Donation Drive gathered 175 donors and collected 144 units of whole blood through the combined efforts of the School of Natural Sciences, School of Nursing, Philippine Red Cross – Baguio Chapter, and other participating organizations. A subsequent Dugong UB drive in November 2025 collected another 112 units, further highlighting UB’s sustained collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross.
Complementing the blood donation activity was a free acupuncture service, spearheaded by Ms. Iris Gail Ducat. The service served 53 students, adding a health and wellness component to the event. By including this service, the activity extended beyond blood donation and gave members of the university community access to a complementary health service.
The combined activities contribute to the university’s goal and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – which promotes healthy lives and well-being for all. Blood donation drives support community health by helping maintain access to blood needed for medical treatment and emergencies. Building awareness and support for well-being within the university community
- Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – through the continued collaboration among the School of Natural Sciences, School of Nursing, and Philippine Red Cross – Baguio Chapter. The partnership demonstrated how academic institutions and community organizations could work together to address health needs and strengthen community-oriented initiatives
With 84 blood units collected and 53 students receiving free acupuncture services, the September 18 activity added another chapter to UB’s continuing Dugong UB tradition. The initiative demonstrated that sustained partnerships, volunteerism, and accessible health services could translate university engagement into tangible contributions to community well-being.
