Even before she joined SM Foundation, Inc. as its Executive Director for Medical and Health Programs in 2001, Connie Angeles has already immersed herself in public service. Her love to be of service to others inspired her to run for a post in the local government of Quezon City where she served as councilor and later vice mayor.
A film and television actress, Connie Angeles has put her acting career on hold. But she remains a popular television personality—as host of the Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Program aired over GMA7. Her foray as co-host of the top-rating public service show began in 1983 when she was asked to be a substitute host.
“One of the biggest challenges was arranging my schedules. But I always make sure to be present to co-host whenever I am needed, especially when Mr. Mercado is unavailable or travelling abroad” she said. “Then there were encounters with patients who were did not know how to go about getting the needed help for their severe health problems. There were so many lining up to seek help. How I wished Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko could accommodate all of these patients,” she added
Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko’s mission is to transform lives of the disadvantaged through guidance, connection, and empowerment. It taps private donors to help shoulder expensive medical and surgical procedures needed by indigent patients. It has a clinic-on-the-air and off-air to accommodate the number of patients seeking help.
Among the program partners of Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko is SM Foundation whose Health and Medical Programs team is headed by Angeles. The health advocacy of SM Foundation aligns with the vision of Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko.
Other partners are: Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, Philippine Association of Interpreters for Deaf Empowerment (PAIDE), The Optical Shop Incorporated, St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC), Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, National Children’s Hospital, Philippine Red Cross, Philippine General Hospital, Quezon City General Hospital (QCGH) Medical Center, and the Lung Center of the Philippines.
