Lipa City – September 10, 2025. The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC) Gymnasium became a hub of generosity and compassion as the UBLC College Red Cross Youth Council, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross Batangas Chapter Lipa City Branch Blood Services and Community Extension Services, successfully held the Pledge 25 Blood Donation Drive. The event carried the theme, “SALIN: Bawat patak, may pag-asa. Bawat SALIN, may buhay.”
The bloodletting activity ran from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and drew the participation of students, members of the faculty, employees, and volunteers, all united by the shared mission of giving hope and saving lives. A total of 34 bags of blood were successfully collected during the drive. According to Alexandra De Castro, President of the UBLC College Red Cross Youth Council and a 4th year BS Psychology student, this year’s turnout marks a record-breaking achievement for the council, surpassing the results of their last two Pledge 25 initiatives.
Organized by the UBLC College Red Cross Youth Council, the initiative highlighted the vital role of young Filipinos in sustaining a safe and steady blood supply. In a statement, the organizers emphasized, “In a world where we often feel powerless to make a difference, there exists a simple, yet great act of benevolence: blood donation. It is a powerful movement where we are given the opportunity to mend someone’s recovery and give them a second chance in life. Let us come together to provide a sustainable blood supply, ensuring that no one is left waiting for a chance at life.”
Pledge 25 is a life-changing initiative of the Red Cross Youth (RCY) that encourages individuals aged 18 to 25 to commit to donating blood three to four times a year. Established by the Philippine Red Cross in 1997 and inspired by Zimbabwe’s “Club 25” model, the program serves both as a recruitment tool for regular donors and as a youth development initiative. Aside from the immense social impact of sustaining blood supplies, donors benefit from free physical examinations and laboratory tests during donations, recognition such as donor cards and membership IDs, and tokens including a Pledge 25 pin after their third donation.
The UBLC drive showcased the power of youth-led initiatives in public health. Students and volunteers were encouraged to give blood during the event and also invited to take part in a nationwide movement that fosters consistent engagement in life-saving acts. The initiative demonstrated the strong spirit of bayanihan within the university, with every donation serving as a lifeline to patients in need.
By embracing Pledge 25, the UBLC community reinforces the message that every drop of blood carries hope and that collective action can create a sustainable impact. The event stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to service, health, and nation-building—reminding everyone that indeed, “bawat SALIN, may buhay.”