By Gian Paula Cecilia, BA ELS-4, The Centralian Link Intern

The Central Philippine University College of Medical Laboratory Science hosted ‘You’re My Type: Give Love, Give Blood’, gathering 79 registrants and 35 successful donors in support of patients in need.

On February 16, 2025, the Central Philippine University College of Medical Laboratory Science (CPU CMLS), in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, held its annual  bloodletting activity, “You’re My Type: Give Love, Give Blood,” at the Knowledge Development Center (KDC) Henry Luce III Library. The event was organized by the CPU CMLS and the CMLS Provincial Student Council and was open to students, faculty members, and the public.

A total of 79 individuals registered for the activity, of whom 35 successfully donated blood. As part of the Heart’s Day special, the first three couples who successfully donated received complimentary Starbucks gift cards.

According to Rodolph Lagarto, Internship Programs Coordinator of CPU CMLS, the core objective of the blood drive was to encourage blood donation for patients in need of blood transfusions.

“The primary objective of this blood drive is to encourage blood donation for patients in need. The blood collected will be allocated to the Philippine Red Cross, which will help boost their supply, as one donation can save up to three lives,” Lagarto explained.

Lagarto also emphasized that this activity serves as a service-learning opportunity for students.

“Another reason is service-learning for our students. Our first- to third-year students are here, so it will really help expose them to a more clinical setting, especially those taking immunohematology or blood banking subjects, as they can witness the procedures firsthand,” he added.

Since February 13, 2018, CPU CMLS has made the bloodletting activity a tradition, reaffirming the college’s commitment to promoting compassion, community service, and academic engagement while commemorating the occasion.