Criminology students from the Leyte Colleges, who study and train on how to uphold the law, now take on a different role by helping save lives by donating blood through the Blood Olympics program. 

This program is being led by the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) of the Department of Health (DOH), which aims to increase the blood supply and promote a culture of generosity among the younger generation.

The Blood Olympics, which originated from the NVBSP, is now a successful undertaking managed by the Eastern Visayas Regional Blood Center. 

This initiative aims to turn blood donation into a friendly competition that encourages camaraderie among participating schools and universities. What used to be a simple act of donation has now become a rallying point for community involvement and a testament to the power of collective altruism.

Students from various tertiary institutions, such as Saint Paul School of Professional Studies, Leyte Normal University, Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban, Visayas State University in Tolosa and Baybay, Doña Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation, and St. Scholastica's College Tacloban Inc., played a significant role in supporting the event.

These schools were selected not only for their potential to aid the blood program's objectives but also for their capability to inspire healthy lifestyle choices among the younger generation. In appreciation of their efforts, the highest-performing schools were recognized with awards, encouraging their continued participation in this crucial life-saving initiative.

Janferson Sevilla, a fourth-year criminology student from Leyte Colleges, echoed the sentiment shared by many donors, emphasizing the profound impact of their contributions.

"In this kind of event, I can say that it is beneficial to encourage more people to donate their blood and also to have a better disposition towards others and to help those in need of blood," she said, highlighting the ripple effect of kindness and compassion.

The DOH has set an ambitious goal for this year's Blood Olympics to collect 2,000 units of blood from schools across Leyte. The program aims to collect around 200 bags of blood every month to help alleviate the blood supply shortage in Eastern Visayas.

Victoria Pagarao, donor recruitment officer of DOH Eastern Visayas Regional Blood Center, extended their heartfelt gratitude to all blood donors, participating schools, the Eastern Visayas Medical Center Blood Bank, the Philippine Red Cross, and other stakeholders for their invaluable support to the blood program's cause of saving lives.

“Their contribution is really significant in addressing the ongoing need to enhance the blood supply of Eastern Visayas and in promoting the ‘Blood is Life’ through a culture of altruism and community service,” she said.

United Shalom Hospital, the sponsor for snacks and refreshments of the donors, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, facilitated donor screening and the blood donation process, ensuring a smooth and friendly experience for the criminology students.

The increasing popularity of the Blood Olympics highlights the significance of the youth's involvement in addressing the critical requirement for blood donation. Their philanthropic contributions not only involve giving blood but also extend to providing hope, empathy, and a more promising future for their society. (AAC with reports from PIA interns Fernando Doloeras and Joey Sabornido)