Espina: Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko celebrates 20 years

Awardee. 2007-2008 Perlas Awardee Margot Osmeña receives the Perlas Award for Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko from Philippines Foundation president Fr. Ernesto Jaivier, SJ and past presidents Ben Yapjoco and Nestor Chua.
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Mila C. Espina

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Salamat sa Pagpangga!!!

The Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko celebrates its 20th year of “serving and touching the lives of
others!” with the same passion and commitment it nurtured since 1992. In 2007-2008, the Philippines Foundation conferred the Perlas Award on Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko as the valuable institution. Along with the other awardees in the Perlas Hall of Fame, Kapwa will be honored at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 14, SM Cinema 1.

A service organization which aims to develop a healthy community, especially the marginalized sector of Cebu, Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko (KKMKI-Cebu), has successfully sustained  health-related programs to help children with cancer,  and likewise extends welfare and medical assistance to those in dire need of them.

The thrust “Pangga-a Sab Ko,” articulated in the story of Nica, the little angel inflicted with acute lymphocytic leukemia (cancer of the blood), then cured in 2005, and whose face appeared in every can soliciting coins for support, has sensitized countless kindhearted people who became our generous benefactors and partners. And the list continues. Far and wide, the Kapwa’s “journey to help” generated so many volunteers, yes, doctors, nurses and medical students, and professionals who relentlessly served in outreach missions and medical activities. The hospitals, schools, socio-civic and business groups were supportive in good and rough times. But these even made their tasks more challenging, fulfilling.

The Kapwa mission was articulated in touching slogans like Make A Difference In A Person’s Life; Kapwa, Serving and Touching Lives; Expanding, Growing In Service, among others, which had become an emblem for communitarian service where values of dedication and industry were the permeating motivation. They all exemplify the timeless quest of Kapwa to fight Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

This year, Kapwa celebrates its 20th anniversary with the theme, “Salamat Sa Pagpangga!”

“Thank you for caring! Salamat sa Pagpangga.” In any language, Kapwa would like to say Daghang Salamat to all our benefactors, media, friends and volunteers. True, the concept of service of Kapwa, which reached us through the pioneering initiatives of Orly Mercado, Xavier Ledesma who invited Margot Osmeña, Mila C. Espina and Agnes Magpale to join the first Kapwa team; reinforced later by the equally dedicated civic leaders Marissa Fernan, Vivina Chiu, Vivian Dyhongco, Susana Debora Limchiu, Susan Aliño ( GMA7), Jerual Roa, Bonifacio Sia, Letlet Mision and selfless staff, Christine Escolano, Lolita Baguio, Fria Panulde, Rhea Barita, Daniel Maratas; legal counsel Liza Corro and auditor Luis Cañete & Co., made us more determined to continue.

PFI moving forces

The following officers, past presidents and directors of the Philippines Foundation Inc. will be in full force to celebrate their 25th anniversary where the Perlas Hall of Famers  will be honored: spiritual adviser, his Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal; honorary chairman, Ambassador Francisco  Benedicto; past presidents and directors Hernan Streegan, Joseph Gaisano, Antonio Veloso, Dr. Mila C. Espina, Nestor Chua, Consul Enrique Benedicto and Ben Yapjoco; executive vice president, Dr. Efren Valiente; vice-president, Marissa Fernan; secretary, Dr. Lourdes Jereza; assistant secretary, Mariter  Klepp; treasurer, Teresa Chan; assistant treasurer, Elvira Luym; auditor, Consul John Domingo; legal counsel, Merle Cunanan; public relations officer, Nelia Neri; directors, Consul Ben Dapat, Petite Garcia and Michael Go; members Clarito Fruelda, Beling Go Ching Hai, Bunny Pages, Anita Sanchez, Stella Bernabe, Filna Espina, Francis Monera, Dr. Marcelo Lopez, Julita Urbina and Teresin Mendezona.