Rain Could Not Stop the Gift of Life

MANILA, Philippines — The rain may have poured heavily on August 8, 2026, but it could not stop thousands of donors, volunteers, and humanitarian workers from coming together for one purpose: to save lives.

Held at Ever Gotesco, the latest GMA Kapuso Foundation x Philippine Red Cross x Ever Sagip Dugtong Buhay 30 blood donation drive collected a final total of 1,462 blood units across participating Ever Mall locations.

In attendance from JCI Manila were Director for Community Affairs David Ramos, Project Chairman Jacy Ramirez, Vice Chairman Ervin Isla, and Commissioner for Special Projects George Co, who joined the collective effort to support the campaign and its mission of saving lives through voluntary blood donation.

The final collection was recorded across seven sites:

• Ever Manila: 335 units
• Ever Quezon City: 314 units
• Ever Tower: 313 units
• Ever Bulacan: 116 units
• Ever Valenzuela: 133 units
• Ever Rizal Province: 129 units
• Ever Makati: 122 units

Total: 1,462 blood units

Despite the heavy rain, the campaign surpassed the 1,424 units collected in August 2025, proving once again that compassion can outshine even the darkest weather.

Earlier in February 2026, the Sagip Kalingap collection reached 1,818 bags, adding another significant contribution to the year’s continuing humanitarian efforts.

The achievement is part of a much larger legacy. Since the blood donation program began in 1996, the campaign has collected an extraordinary 79,557 blood units, equivalent to approximately 35.8 million cc of blood. According to the campaign’s figures, these donations have the potential to benefit as many as 238,671 patients.

Behind every number is a person who chose to give. Every blood bag represents a stranger who may receive another chance to live, another family that may be spared a loss, and another story that can continue.

That is what makes voluntary blood donation so powerful. The donor may never know whose life their blood will touch, but somewhere, someday, someone may wake up because another person decided to give.

The organizers extended their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who braved the weather and took part in the campaign, particularly the blood donors, GMA Kapuso Foundation and Ever Mall teams, and Philippine Red Cross staff and volunteers.

The rain did not stop the mission.

Instead, it became part of the story of thousands of people who showed that even on a difficult day, there is always an opportunity to give hope.

And the mission continues.

See you again in February 2027. ❤️

Because sometimes, the greatest thing we can give another person is the chance to live another day.