PHILIPPINES – What was originally planned as a simple turn-over ceremony of the seven-classroom building in Malaya Elementary School in Pililla, Rizal built through the partnership of GMA Kapuso Foundation and Procter & Gamble Philippines (P&G) turned into a huge star-studded event, as the biggest GMA Network stars and personalities gathered to throw in their support for the event held recently at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel.
Among the Kapuso stars who graced the occasion included Richard Gutierrez, Michael V., Claudine Barretto, Heart Evangelista, Aljur Abrenica, Carla Abellana, Maxene and Elmo Magalona, Joshua Dionisio, Barbie Forteza, Raymond Gutierrez, Daniel Matsunaga, Enzo Pineda, Rocco Nacino, Steven Silva, Sarah Lahbati, Diva Montelaba, Solenn Heusaff, Sam Pinto, La Diva’s Maricris Garcia, Jonalyn Viray, and Aicelle Santos, Mark Bautista, Bubbles Paraiso, Isabel Oli, Jackie Rice, Bianca King, Francheska Farr, Julie Ann San Jose, Gwen Zamora, Ellen Adarna, Ervic Vijandre, Bela Padilla, and more. Mike Enriquez hosted the event.
GMA News and Public affairs personalities who also witnessed the turnover ceremonies were led by Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco, Jessica Soho, Vicky Morales, and Howie Severino, together with Ivan Mayrina, Kara David, Connie Sison, Rhea Santos, Luane Dy, Grace Lee, and others.
Since 2008, P&G has been a certified partner of the Foundation in the project dubbed, Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan, which formed part of P&G’s 3pid Handog Edukasyon campaign. To date, the project has provided a total of 74,343 Grade 1 students from select public schools with free school supplies.
This year, P&G joined GMAKF in addressing the long-term needs of school beneficiaries through the rehabilitation of the seven-classroom building in Barangay Malaya, Pililla, Rizal which was heavily damaged by typhoon Ondoy and fire.
“We see social responsibility as a natural expression of our purpose to touch and improve lives. It is also an investment in the future,” said P&G Global CEO Robert McDonald.
“We are happy to see the kids smiling and appreciating the support of both P&G and GMA Kapuso Foundation,” exclaimed P&G Philippines President and General Manager Siddik Tetik.
In his message, GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon said, “GMA and P&G continue to serve as instruments of social change.” He added, “The meaning of what we do and who we are, after all, is derived from how much of ourselves we have given in the service of others.”
Incidentally, P&G and GMAKF mark a twin-celebration this year. P&G is celebrating its 75th year of operating as a consumer goods company, while the GMAKF completes a two-decade circle of commitment to public service as it is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month.
GMA officers present during the affair were led by GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, SVP for Corporate Services Group and CFO Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Marketing President Lizelle Maralag, GMA Films President Annette G. Abrogar, GMA SVP for Radio Miguel “Mike” C. Enriquez, GMA Marketing SVP Joel Jimenez, GMA Kapuso Foundation EVP and COO Carmela “Mel” C. Tiangco, and other Network officers.
P&G was represented by no less than their Global CEO Robert McDonald, together with Asia Group President Deb Henretta, P&G Philippines President and General Manager Siddik Tetik, P&G Philippines Marketing Director Raj Pudipeddi, P&G Asia External Relations Vice President Erik Jonnaert, and P&G Philippines External Relations Associate Director Jamie Endaya.
