GMA Network’s socio civic arm GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. (GMAKF), through the help of its key partners, recently launched the Kapuso Para sa Kawal project to provide assistance to soldiers who sustained injuries in combat operations all over the country.
The project aims to serve amputee soldiers who fought terrorists and insurgents in 2017. This period covers the latest conflict in Marawi City. Kapuso Para sa Kawal aims to replace beneficiary soldiers’ lost limbs with prosthetics, rehabilitate them by providing thorough psychological and physical therapy which makes them ready both mentally and physically to use and maximize their new prosthetic limbs.
Present in the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in Makati City last month were GMAKF Founder and Ambassador Mel C. Tiangco, Makati Medical Center Foundation (MMCF) Vice Chair Judy Araneta Roxas, MMCF President and Makati Medical Center Board Member Dr. Victor Gisbert, V. Luna Medical Center Rehabilitation Unit Head Lt. Col. Raquel Cadisal, prosthetics provider partners LN-4 Foundation represented by Anthony Untalan and Exceed Worldwide Country Co-Director Narelle Cook. Serving as hosts for the event were GMAKF EVP and COO Rikki Escudero Catibog and MMCF consultant and former air force Brig. General Arturo Orticio.
GMA Network Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon shared that he appreciates the all-out support given by MMCF’s Chair Manny V. Pangilinan despite them being leaders of competing television networks. “When it comes to recognizing and reciprocating the bravery and heroic acts of our injured soldiers, there is and ought to be no competition between us,” added Gozon.
On the other hand, Pangilinan also expressed his sincerity in helping the brave soldiers get back on their feet again. “I had no second thoughts about supporting this advocacy. Signing into this partnership with GMA-7 Kapuso Foundation provides us with another golden opportunity to serve our wounded warriors,” he said.
The 10 Kapuso Para sa Kawal beneficiaries, four of which are Marawi veterans, were also present in the ceremony and were greatly appreciative of the efforts spearheaded by GMAKF. “Masaya kami na mabibigyan kami ng mga artipisyal na paa at kamay,” said Private Billy Joe Siminig who had his thigh amputated during an encounter against the Maute group.
“Nakita natin how hard they have worked. Ang ginagawa ng mga sundalo natin ay para sa bansa at para sa ating mga mamamayan kaya marapat lamang na gawin naman natin ito para sakanila. Kumbaga, parang tayo ay mayroong utang na loob sa mga taong ito na nagtanggol sa ating mga karapatan. Ganoon ka espesyal ang project na ito,” Mel Tiangco added.