LAST Friday, my friend Bang said they will serve in “Dugong Bughaw”. I felt happy to hear but sad that I failed to enlist as a volunteer. The Ateneo de Davao University’s “Dugong Bughaw”, or bloodletting activity, is celebrated every July 31, the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus.
But God is always good; even at the last minute, I was allowed to join and be a part of the team. I was so excited that I arrived at AdDU before 6 a.m.. At last, after two years of AdDU being unable to do the blood-letting due to the health restrictions and protocols brought by Covid-19, it happened last July 30, 2022, at the Arrupe Hall of the Ateneo Jacinto Campus.
What amazes me was how Mr. Mark Paul Samante, the University Community Engagement and Advocacy (UCEAC) Chairman, organized the activity. Wow, I saw him when the “bloodletting” started and until it ended. He was there to support all volunteers, and I saw his energy and smile so accommodating to all donors and the team.
And when Mr. Samante was asked more about “Dugong Bughaw”, he said it was actually “MAGIS”. He further explained that “While the donors are exercising this value by volunteering, the same can be said of the core organizers and committees who extend themselves in service to ensure that the blood-letting participants will have a wonderful experience sharing their blood. Also, the alumni network helped gather donors from various organizations and agencies. A true testament to the formation and training every alumnus received in their years with the academe.”
He also added that it was deeply about “CURA PERSONALIS”. He believed that ensuring that people feel cared for is one of the hallmarks of an Atenean. Whether with the faculty, students, or partner communities, it is always a part of the AdDU community engagements and advocacies. And that initiating the annual Dugong Bughaw is AdDUs expression of care for the city of Davao and the Davaoenos in contributing to the city’s blood supply. And that the blood donations AdDU has gathered ensure that a steady supply is available from the Red Cross should it be needed.
Oh, I did not regret being a part of this activity. I saw how Dr. Mae de Leon, Dr. Joanne Custodio, Dr. Faith Lagat, Dr. Alma Ramiso, Dr. Melissa Sy and Dr. Keith Acuña assessed the 95 donors from organizations such as the security forces of SM Ecoland and Lanang, faculty, and staff of the University across units and members of the alumni community. Most of all, I am glad to join the passionate AdDU clinic nurses, medical technologists, and other volunteers, providing comfort to donors and helping them deal with their anxieties, especially those who fear the procedure.
The bloodletting was very successful and organized. Thank you to Mr. Samante, Jocelyn Ferraren, AdDU University Clinics Director, and Dr. Liza Floresca, Dean of the School of Nursing, for their best coordination.
Indeed, Mr. Samante is right to say that in the spirit of service and empowering communities, AdDU has forged ahead as Blue Knights of Davao, as children of Mindanao and proud Filipinos. And I am genuinely proud to be one!