PHILIPPINE EMBASSY, RIYADH , POLO, FILIPINO COMMUNITY

LAUNCH BLOOD DONATION PROJECT

25 May 2007 — Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Antonio P. Villamor reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Embassy, in cooperation with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Filipino community in Riyadh , will launch the blood donation project on 25 May 2007 at the Chancery of the Embassy.

“Dubbed ‘Dugo Ko, Alay Ko,’ the project was conceived a few months ago during a series of brainstorming sessions with Filipino community leaders. The main objective then was to show in a unique way the gratitude of the entire Filipino community for their decades-long participation in the Kingdom's economic development and progress. The Filipino community under the leadership of the Embassy would also like to send a message of appreciation for the continuing assistance extended by the Saudi officialdom in the repatriation of distressed Filipino workers,” Ambassador Villamor said.

He continued to say, “The concept of the gift of blood as a gift of life freely given by the Filipino community for the benefit of Saudi people, particularly those in urgent need of blood transfusion, was finally agreed upon.  The idea was immediately welcomed by the administration of the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) and some members of the Royal family.  Blood donors from various Filipino community organizations have already signified their intention to take part in the noble and humanitarian undertaking.”

Ambassador Villamor said that as a project partner, the KFSHRC has been very active in assisting in all aspects of the preparation for the project, and will provide the necessary laboratory and other facilities to be set up in the Chancery.

HRH Prince Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is the brother of HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and nephew of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, is expected to grace the launch as the Guest of Honor.  Members of the local media have also been invited to cover the event and help in promoting its significance among the Saudi populace.

Ambassador Villamor added that, after the launching in Riyadh , the project will also be carried out in other provinces in the Kingdom and will be conducted on a regular basis.  END

/egret

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