Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko: A blessing to others

MANILA, Philippines - If there’s one TV show that has served the public and helped million Filipinos unselfishly, it is GMA 7’s Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko. It has pioneered public service on the small screen and has been around for 35 years longer than Eat, Bulaga! In fact, Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko has survived five presidents and two EDSA revolutions — and seen GMA 7 transform from rainbow network to Kapuso channel. But Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko remains true to its mission: To help the needy.

“Well, if you will notice, Kapwa has maintained its format,” offers host Connie Angeles with co-host former Sen. Orly Mercado during the interview with the press arranged by GMA for their show’s 35th anniversary. “It has panawagan portion encouraging people to help and informing them on how to help. But what is less seen today is the intensive interviews with the doctors.” That segment has been successful in educating viewers about their health concerns and conditions. On top of that, Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko has also shown everyone the how-to’s on being a blessing to others.

“Actually, we have stopped counting already,” replies Orly when asked about the number of people Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko has extended its help to through the years. “There was a time when we calculated (how many) in one year.”

“I was telling them that when I started (hosting the show), I saw a long queue of people,” adds Connie.

Being the more senior host, former Sen. Orly has witnessed how Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko “changed. We saw it morphed. And then we found other things to do. We were active in disaster response. We linked up with partners.”

In the ‘70s, Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko was just a clinic on air attending to the every medical inquiry and need of individuals. According to the information furnished by GMA, the show created specific programs when the number of patients ballooned to respond to their unique concerns. Seeing that the show has made a difference in the lives of others, more resident doctors joined the on-air clinic to share their expertise and to serve more kababayan. Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko has also pushed the envelope forward and gone beyond “clinic” boundaries by doing dental and medical missions to groups and communities. It has also partnered with non-government organizations and trained health professionals and volunteers.

What’s next for Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko given the changing landscape of communication and broadcasting?

“I’m glad to announce that Kapwa is strengthening its presence in the Internet,” Orly answers. “We are going to utilize social media, social networks; we are going to use that as our base. Of course, we are thankful we have the airtime but we will have to think of new ways. So we are meeting with people. You are welcome to give your ideas. We are open to ideas. Our generation has its own experience but we live in a different media environment. But it is best. Those who survive in this business are those who realize that technology really is leap frogging.”

The clinic on-air has responded to Juan Dela Cruz’s medical inquiries and needs for the past 35 years.

“But there are things that we can work on especially on the basis of our history,” he adds. “The more important to me is to be as effective as possible when you are in a different milieu, in a different set-up. And that’s the challenge — the challenge (of Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko) at 35. You are not old but you are also not that young. But you are still at the height and if you can really focus, try to push yourself and put the energy to do it. I think we might be able to come up with something new. Let’s bring the young people and technology (together).”

With what Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko has been doing for the past three decades, it doesn’t have to be Christmas to help others.