Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko goes techie

Manila, Philippines - One act of kindness goes a long way. 

The inspiring thought instantly came to mind upon learning how long Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko (KKMK) has been airing on GMA 7. For 35 years, the show never tires of lending a helping hand and giving comfort to those in need. It is also one show that neither competes nor seeks the highest spot in the poll ratings but only aims to continuously provide medical assistance to underprivileged people.

“We are not in competition with other programs, no ratings to worry about because the more public service programs there will be (on-air), the more we are willing to cooperate with all of them,” host Orly Mercado says.

Airing Saturdays at 5:30 a.m., Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko is also undertaking a series of medical missions on- and off-air to render primary health care services to indigent Filipino communities. The show has also lived up with the modern, techy times by creating a website for people here and abroad wishing to do acts of charity to the less fortunate suffering from illnesses. Its official website www.kapwako.org likewise contains survival stories. Appeals, requests from people in need of medical attention can visit the site and send their petitions. KKMK also created an account on Facebook and Twitter. Those who wish to see portions of the show and to know about the requests of our kababayan can watch them on YouTube. 

“We’re trying to get the interest of the young generation through new media. Many of them are not familiar with us so it’s time for us to introduce ourselves,” Orly quips. “We have people manning our website. They monitor and update it continuously so anytime of the day that there is a request or appeal, we can link together and we can make decision on how we can provide assistance.”

KKMK is launching an online letter writing contest, Letter to a Patient, where the young can give encouraging words and inspirations. Winners will receive cash prizes.

“Those who cannot donate can write a letter of support — just moral support is enough to give strength,” Orly adds.

For the first quarter, KKMK had successfully launched different projects through the help of various foundations and socio-civic groups.      

The show’s partnership with SM Foundation, according to Orly, who is also the president of KKMK Foundation, has greatly helped in its goal of saving more Pinoys particularly children with hydrocephalus through VP (Ventriculo-Peritoneal) Shunting. It is a process of implanting a tube in the skull to empty excess fluid in the brain. Orly gladly shares that during the first quarter of the year, three children with hydrocephalus have successfully underwent VP Shunts.

Cancer patients, on the other hand, are receiving much care and support through some activities prepared for them. Just recently, a fun-filled event, called Batang K, for cancer-afflicted children was held with the support from the QC government led by Mayor Herbert Bautista.

“At one time we’re taking care of about 25 children with acute lymphocytic leukemia. It is a kind (of cancer) that has greater chance of survival if given proper medical care,” co-host Coney Angeles offers. “We have many success stories to share. Some have already raised a family while others are now normally working. These are people who are willing to give inspiration and hope to those inflicted with the same illness.”

A sense of fulfillment sets in every time KKMK succeeds in helping patients survive, calling them as “graduates.”

“We are now focusing on how to provide assistance and comfort to patients,” Orly states. “Most kids who have cancer come from very poor families. We want to give them full medical and emotional support in a place where patients and their relatives can also seek comfort from.”

Putting up a hospice, an idea broached by SM Foundation, answers these needs. Aside from professional care, counseling will be given, too. Parents or relatives who have undergone the same sad experience can help lessen the emotional stress of parents with children in hospice.

“We’re still now in the process of looking for hospitals where we can put up a hospice. We have two in mind — one in Manila and one in Quezon City,” Coney says.

The hospice, to be launched before the year ends, is a project of SM Foundation which currently has learning centers for children and hospice units for the elderly. It also aims to build more health centers.

Orly and Coney emphasize that everyone can do a charitable act.

“You may not have the money to give away but you can provide assistance through (encouraging) words because many (patients) are just looking for somebody who is willing to listen to them,” Orly affirms proving true the saying that no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.