GMA foundation reaches out to thousands in need

MANILA, Philippines - GMA Kapuso Foundation, the socio-civic arm of GMA Network, made a lasting impact on thousands of lives through its most recent projects.

During relief operations conducted in August 2014 for victims of typhoon Glenda, the foundation provided 1,247 adults and children from Macalelon and Pitogo, Quezon with free medical consultations and medicines together with volunteers from the East Avenue Medical Center Surgery Department.

The same assistance was given in a joint medical mission with Pharex Health Corp., which served 850 people from depressed barangays in Tondo, Manila with the support of volunteer doctors from Philippine Medical Association and Manila Medical Society and nurses from the Metropolitan Medical Center Nursing Department.

In celebration of Sight Saving month, GMAKF, together with the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists as its project partner, provided free refraction and eyeglasses to 692 individuals. Seventy-nine doctors gave their services for free, while Essilor Vision Foundation donated the lenses and frames.

On the other hand, the August Sagip Dugtong Buhay project held yearly at Ever Gotesco Mall marked its 18th year on a successful note as it collected 1,871 blood bags (837,100cc). The activity was a partnership with Philippine Red Cross (six chapters), Ever Gotesco Mall and Go Tong Foundation.

Meanwhile, as Typhoon Luis crossed Northern Luzon in September, GMAKF distributed relief goods to evacuees in flooded Binalonan, Pangasinan. A week after, the country was struck again by another tropical depression, Mario, which made landfall in northern Cagayan. GMAKF immediately gave relief goods to flooded areas in Marikina, Rizal, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela and Pasig. Once the roads became passable, GMAKF rushed to Bulacan, Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan to conduct relief operations. A total of 59, 644 individuals were given immediate relief assistance in the wake of both typhoons.

In the same way, when the alert level for Mt. Mayon was raised last September 16, GMAKF traveled to Albay to conduct a soup kitchen and distribute relief goods to 9,150 evacuees at the Cabanaagan and Anuling Elementary Schools.

“We remain committed to providing Serbisyong Totoo to our less fortunate brothers and sisters and credit our partners, volunteers and partners,” said foundation EVP and COO Mel Tiangco.