Abstract
The University of Cagayan Valley (UCV), under the leadership of the Office of the Vice-President for Research, Planning and Development, and Extension, has institutionalized a sustainable culture of altruism through its premier health advocacy: the UCV Blood Olympics. Since 2022, this initiative, themed “Bayani Ka, Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko” (You are a Hero, Your Blood, My Life), has served as a critical bridge between academic social responsibility and regional public health needs.
By mobilizing more than 350 donors annually from its pool of dedicated students and employees, the university ensures a consistent and safe supply of blood for the Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) and the Philippine Red Cross – Cagayan Chapter. This program is designed to address the persistent challenge of blood scarcity in the province, effectively transforming the UCV community into a "living blood bank" that supports emergency medical interventions, surgeries, and chronic disease management for the people of Cagayan.
Beyond the clinical metrics of blood bags collected, the program serves as a formative platform for Values and Civic Education. It aligns with the university’s mission of fostering a “Culture of Excellence” and "Inclusive Access," while directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This impact study documents the vital role of the UCV Blood Olympics in saving lives and shaping the character of the next generation of Filipino leaders and professionals
