DAVAO CITY — The Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) will hold its midyear Dugong Bughaw bloodletting activity on July 26, 2025, as part of its ongoing commitment to community service and public health.

The announcement was made by Mr. Mark Samante of AdDU’s University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council during a forum organized by the Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA). The event, done in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, coincides with the celebration of the Feast of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus.

“This is more than a medical activity. Dugong Bughaw reflects the Jesuit value of cura personalis- care for the whole person,” Samante said. “We are not just helping individuals in need; we are empowering communities to survive.

Dugong Bughaw is held twice a year and has become a staple program under AdDU’s university-wide outreach initiatives. What makes it unique is its donor-sharing system: instead of a one-to-one donation, donors can opt to contribute their blood cards to a pooled system that benefits up to three recipients, especially those from underserved communities.

“This system has helped students, faculty, families, and even external beneficiaries,” Samante added. “We welcome participation from alumni, partner organizations, and local business groups.”

Aside from blood donation drives, AdDU also implements several other outreach programs, including:

• Duyog Feeding Program – launched in 2021 to assist pandemic-affected barangays
  
• Medical Missions – conducted with partner organizations and volunteer health professionals
  
• Community development initiatives – driven by partnerships with civic groups and donors
  

Samante noted that while these programs are supported by the university, much of their success depends on public and private collaboration.

He also raised concerns about the increasing demand for blood supply, citing the rising number of patients needing frequent transfusions due to kidney-related illnesses. With senior citizens often unable to donate, he encouraged younger individuals to take part.

“The need is urgent. We call on the youth to start donating while they can,” he said. “Donating blood is one of the most direct, life-saving ways to serve others.”

The Dugong Bughaw program continues to be one of the most recognized symbols of Ateneo de Davao’s mission-centered approach to service and solidarity.

For full details and registration, the public is encouraged to visit the official Ateneo de Davao University and ADDU USC Facebook pages.