Corporate citizenship saves lives through blood donations

We have heard countless times before that donating blood saves lives. But how many of us have experienced it firsthand? Those who have donated before know just how real this saying is and that when you donate blood, you are, indeed, saving someone’s life. Studies have shown that sometimes one donation can save as many as three lives. It’s that simple. When you donate blood, you are someone’s superhero. And it’s become more critical than ever before.

Blood donation drives happen pretty often. In the Philippines, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) leads the charge pushing blood donation drives and doing its best to ensure the blood bank is supplied for all patients who need it. And these days, so many patients need blood, from chronic illnesses to the ever-increasing number of dengue patients in the country in 2022.

Since January, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported over 60,000 dengue cases, 90 percent higher than the over 30,000 cases in the same period last year. What’s worse is that, according to several infectious disease experts, the strains this year seem to be much worse, resulting in more extended hospital stays, more complications, and a rise in the need for blood transfusion.

With the increased demand for blood transfusions, it has become even more essential for PRC to maintain its blood supply. They have taken steps to inform the public and open more blood donation centers – 102 facilities nationwide and counting. Plus, the PRC continues to create strategic partnerships with public and private companies to conduct Mobile Blood Donation (MBD) events to make blood donations easier and more accessible to countless communities across the Philippines.

These partnerships are creating more awareness and helping several companies and organizations create sustainable corporate social responsibility opportunities that allow employees to give back and save lives. Many businesses are opening up blood drives in partnership with PRC and allowing their employees to become blood donation heroes at a time when so many need blood.

It’s not just businesses, but personal, civic organizations, and even clubs are also sharing the importance of blood donation. Recently, a local fan group of K-Pop global superstars BTS, Borahae from Manila (BFM) – Kookiebunnies hosted a bloodletting event in partnership with Red Cross to celebrate the birthday of their idol Jeon Jungkook. The drive successfully collected voluntary donations while helping raise awareness with an even broader and more diverse audience base.

These efforts from businesses and private organizations are paramount to encouraging donations and ensuring the blood banks can help those in need. Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon stressed the importance of blood donation now more than ever as dengue continues to rise and more people will need lifesaving donations. He reiterated the PRC’s dedication to promoting voluntary blood donation as a regular activity and part of the PRC’s commitment to helping save lives.

Since January, the PRC has helped over 144,000 patients in need of blood from its facilities around the country. This was made possible through live-saving donations from blood donation heroes. We must keep the drive alive. For organizations looking for a worthwhile cause – blood donation is an excellent way for corporate citizenship to help save lives.

Email the PRC NBS at [email protected] or contact PRC Blood Call Center through 143 nationwide for blood donations, requests, and other inquiries.

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Just recently, SM Investments Corp. topped two categories at the Alpha Southeast Asia magazine awards based on the results of industry investors. They were awarded the Most Organized Investor Relations for the 11th time and Strongest Adherence to Corporate Governance for the eighth time.

The company also ranked among Best Senior Management IR Support and Most Consistent Dividend Policy. These awards highlight the importance that SM Investments Corp. places on investor relations and corporate governance. They engage with investors worldwide and highlight the Philippines as a bright spot for investment.

This is especially important post-pandemic with travel opening up more and investors looking for good investment opportunities. Many investors are looking for emerging growth markets and businesses with good governance credentials, exceptional investor relations, and a strong sustainability drive. SM Investments Corp. is providing all this and being recognized for its efforts.

Let’s encourage other businesses to follow in their footsteps and continue to make the country and Philippine businesses world-class investment opportunities.