PRESS STATEMENT FROM GMA-7:
"Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko started out with a simple intention—to tap private donors to help shoulder expensive medical and surgical procedures needed by indigent patients. The venue for seeking assistance was a one-hour television program on Channel 7, with airtime provided free of charge as directed by an order of the President of the Republic of the Philippines.
"Channel 7 was the first network to respond to this call for a regular public service program. Kapwa has since maintained its format, objectives and thrust.
"Kapwa started as a clinic on air. But through the years, the patient load increased and there was a need to develop specific programs that would address common problems. In time, several organizations committed to send their resident doctors to the daily clinic to serve patients from all over the country.
"Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko was founded by Mernardo Jimenez. In 1975, the President and Medical Director of Kapwa was Dr. Antonio Talusan. Program hosts were Orly Mercado and Rosa Rosal. Through the years, Boots Anson Roa, Rosemarie Gil, Toni Rose Gayda, Susan Valdez and Cielito Del Mundo joined the roster of hosts.
"In 1989, the foundation was reorganized under the leadership of Former Senator Orlando Mercado as Foundation President with Dr. Susan Pineda as Medical Director and Angelito Banayo as Executive Director. Co-hosts included Connie Angeles, Mildred Ortega and Nonoy Zuñiga. In 1992, Dr. Susan Pineda was appointed Executive Director.
"To date, GMA-7 President & CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon is the Chairman.
"Kapwa has moved beyond clinical work for individuals in need of medical assistance. It now serves groups and communities with specific needs. With the new democratic space after the EDSA Revolution, Kapwa has joined the ranks of other NGOs that undertake development work through primary health care and community-based health programs. Today, aside from continuing to assist individuals, Kapwa has trained health workers and volunteers in Central Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.
"One of the flag carriers of KKMK Foundation is the BK or Batang Kapwa (Children with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia). It was founded by Dra. Susy Pineda-Mercado in 1989.
"Kapwa still airs every Saturday, 5:30-6:00 a.m. It is hosted by Former Sen. Orly Mercado & Ms. Connie Angeles."
Ed's Note: When content falls under "Press Statement," this means that the material is fully and directly from the TV station itself. The use of open-and-close quotation marks to envelope the entire text shows as much. This also means that PEP is not the author of the statement being read. PEP is simply providing the information for readers who may be interested.