With the aim of encouraging more volunteers to donate their blood, the Philippine Red Cross Regional Office in partnership with the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation will be holding the Dinagyang Blood Olympics on selected dates this January 2018 at participating schools and universities. The opening program of the said activity was held at CPU Alumni Promenade Concert Park on January 10, 2018.
For the welcome message, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, CPU President, thanked the Iloilo City Government and the Philippine Red Cross for holding activities that promote the spirit of volunteerism, “We hope that events like this will continue as long as there is a need to help others who need blood donations. I thank the Iloilo City Government, the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, the Philippine Red Cross and all its partners for holding this kind of activity.”
Representative of Iloilo City Mayor, Jose Espinosa III, Atty. Dominador C. Co, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, expressed the city government’s gratitude to the partner-universities for their support and commitment to the said activity, “This noble endeavor is saving the welfare, well-being, and lives through the spirit of volunteerism. Volunteerism is one basic value we all share—giving our time and talent for the betterment of all. It is a culture that promotes community service.”
Dr. Mae Ann Sta. Lucia, Regional Blood Program Coordinator, Department of Health Region VI, on behalf of Dr. Marlyn Concovar, highlighted the role of youth in keeping the spirit of volunteerism alive, “We encourage the youth to inculcate the spirit of volunteerism, especially to participate in our blood drives. The spirit of volunteerism is very much alive in the provinces of Panay.”
CPU Prime Minister Charles Arthel Rey, in his message, encouraged his fellow youth to develop a heart for community service and empathy, “It is a great honor that the opening of the1st Dinagyang Blood Olympics was held here in our university. We should have a heart of empathy and volunteerism for our fellowman by supporting and promoting causes like this.”
Dr. Paul Francia, Chairman, Blood Committee Philippine Red Cross-Iloilo, representative of Mr. Ramon Cua Locsin, President, Iloilo DinagyangFoundation, officially opened the 1st Dinagyang Blood Olympics.
The program began with a prayer, led by CPU Vice President for Student Affair, Rev. Joniel Howard H. Gico. The singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the CPU Hymn followed, both conducted by the Director, CPU Cultural Affairs, Ms. Crista Huyong with the CPU Symphonic Band conducted by Mr. Asuncion O. Bautista.
The blood drive at Central Philippine University will be on January 22, 2018 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Also part of the Dinagyang festivities is a special screening of the entries for the short film making contest. The screening will be at Cinematheque Iloilo on January 23, 2018.
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