Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Filipinos in the UAE are being urged to roll up their sleeves and donate blood this Friday (April 11) as part of a life-saving campaign hosted by the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The blood donation drive, dubbed “You’re My Type: Join the Blood Drive, Save More Lives,” will take place at the Philippine Consulate in Al Qusais from 3pm to 7pm. The event is part of the consulate’s Labindalawa campaign, which promotes community service and solidarity. “Our ancestors once used blood to seal pacts and affirm their shared destiny. Today, we extend that legacy by giving blood to those whose survival depends on it,” said Consul General Marford Angeles. Donors must be in good health, aged 18 to 65, and weigh at least 50 kilograms. They will also undergo a preliminary health screening with a physician. Pregnant and lactating women are not advised to donate. Volunteers can register online via bit.ly/YMTBloodDrive. The Consulate emphasized the symbolism of the sanduguan—a pre-colonial Filipino ritual where blood was used to seal unity and loyalty—as inspiration for the modern drive. “True freedom is about self-determination and the power to act for the greater good. A single donation can mean the difference between life and loss, and that is a freedom worth embracing,” Angeles added. Regular blood donation has been shown to improve circulation, reduce harmful iron stores, and promote heart health, according to medical professionals. The campaign serves as a modern-day bayanihan in action, with the Filipino community in Dubai coming together to offer a literal lifeline to those in need. ICA/Expat Media
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