CELEBRITY WORLD PH
By Crispina M. Belen
GMA Kapuso Foundation: A Beacon of Hope for Filipinos in Crisis
Driven by a steadfast commitment to serve, the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) has become a beacon of hope for Filipinos affected by calamities and disasters. Over the years, GMAKF has expanded its focus to include health and education programs, while staying true to its core mission of providing immediate relief through its flagship project, "Operation Bayanihan."
Impact in 2023
In 2023, GMAKF reached 263,370 Filipinos through various initiatives. "Operation Bayanihan" alone assisted 132,908 individuals. The Foundation's education programs supported 62,568 people, health projects benefited 4,341, and values formation initiatives touched the lives of 63,553 individuals.
Rising to the Challenge in 2024
With severe weather disturbances becoming more frequent, GMAKF intensified its relief efforts in 2024. From January to July, "Operation Bayanihan" assisted 127,546 individuals. Aid was delivered to 17,800 residents affected by the shear line phenomenon in Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental, 12,500 evacuees following Mt. Kanlaon's eruption, and 52,800 people across various provinces during a severe drought. When Typhoon Aghon hit Southern Luzon, GMAKF aided 4,200 individuals, and provided assistance to 4,000 people in Zamboanga City and 6,000 in Maguindanao following floods and landslides.
Expanding Reach
GMAKF continues to expand its reach, building on its strong foundation in disaster relief. The Kapuso School Development project is constructing 11 calamity-resistant classrooms for 2023-2024. The "Sagip Dugtong Buhay" blood drive has collected 2,171 blood bags, and education programs have benefited 60,000 individuals. From January to July 2024, GMAKF positively impacted 194,202 Filipinos.
Bayanihan Spirit in Action: Super Typhoon Carina Response
GMAKF's rapid response to Super Typhoon Carina and the habagat (Southwest Monsoon) exemplifies the bayanihan spirit. With support from Sparkle GMA Artist Center talents and other Kapuso personalities, GMAKF led relief operations in the hardest-hit areas, helping 30,246 individuals.
In Marikina City, GMAKF provided food packs and hot meals through the "Kapuso Soup Kitchen," sponsored by GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, with actress Bianca Umali assisting. Relief operations were also conducted in Malanday Elementary School and Tañong High School, overseen by GMAKF Executive Vice President and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog, with support from AFP Joint Task Force NCR and the Naval Reserve Public Affairs Unit. Kapuso stars Dingdong Dantes, Rocco Nacino, and Beatrice Luigi Gomez participated.
Food packs prepared by Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes were distributed to 750 families in Malabon, with Alden Richards donating burgers from McDonald's. Additional food packs and hot meals were distributed to 300 families in Navotas City.
In Rizal province, GMAKF and Sparkle artists provided assistance to residents. Relief goods were distributed to 3,816 individuals in San Mateo, and hot porridge and relief goods to 250 families in Taytay. In Cainta, 1,076 families received relief goods, banig, and blankets.
Proceeds and donations from the recent GMA Gala are slated to be given to Typhoon Carina victims, coordinated with the GMA Kapuso Foundation. A donation drive was also organized during the JulieXStell concert.
At the San Juan Evacuation Center, Korean actor Kim Ji Soo and Juancho Trivino joined GMAKF in distributing relief packs to 1,600 individuals. Other Sparkle Artist Center talents also participated in the relief efforts.
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