GMA Public Affairs: Changing lives, one story at a time
On Sunday, three decades after it pioneered documentary, news magazine, and public service programs in the Philippines,
GMA Public Affairs looks back on some of its most unforgettable reports to discover the positive transformations these helped bring about in “Sa Serbisyong Totoo, Nabago Ang Buhay Ko.” Hosted by GMANews Pillar Jessica Soho, “Sa Serbisyong Totoo, Nabago Ang Buhay Ko” features some of the most powerful stories told by shows produced by GMA Public Affairs and how these stories changed the lives of those involved. I-Witness’ 2009 documentary “Ambulansyang de Paa” gave viewers a visual of an ambulance as it makes its
way down a steep mountain, carrying a patient who has never seen a doctor in his life. Yet the “ambulance” is nothing more than a hammock, transported on foot by residents desperate to get medical aid. In the documentary, one-year-old John Lloyd was but skin and bones. The make-shift ambulance-on-foot in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro served as his only lifeline.
Today, John Lloyd is in much better health, starting his second year in elementary school. He says there is now a health center nearby, and parts of the once-rugged road have been paved for better access to basic services.
Ten years before John Lloyd’sSiete’s 1999story aired, documentary Brigada “Batang Alipin” brought to light the situation of laborers working in slave-like conditions inside a vinegar factory. One of the youngest workers rescued was 15-year-old Zaldy.
Eighteen years later, Zaldy now has his own family and works as a mechanic. After being freed from his harrowing experience as a child, Zaldy says he is determined to secure a better life for his own children. In 2013, GMA News TV’s “Reel Time” told the heart-wrenching story of 10-year-old Mary Rose in the documentary “Salat.” Never knowing when the next meal would come, Mary Rose and her siblings were severely malnourished. The documentary saw an outpouring of generosity for the family. Mary Rose is now 14 and in the pink of health. Thanks to the kindness of strangers, Mary Rose has been able to continue her schooling and is now in her second year of high school. transformationMany more abound. stories Pioneeringof hope publicand service program “Wish Ko Lang” has been instrumental in reuniting long-lost family members. Twins Judy and Danica, who were separated at birth, saw each other again for the first time in 30 years through the wish-granting program.
Bringing family members together has also been an advocacy of public service program “Imbestigador” which has facilitated countless rescues of trafficked women and children, including those from Sabah, Malaysia.
For years, flagship Public Affairs Program “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” and long-running issues-oriented program “Reporter’s Notebook” relentlessly followed the stories of those devastated by super typhoon Yolanda. Four years later, GMA Public Affairs meets the families of Marvin and Raphael building a new life in their new homes.
After four George Foster Peabody Awards, 11 New York Festival Gold Medals and three Emmy nominations, GMA Network remains the most internationally-awarded in Philippine television through its News and Public Affairs programs.
More than any accolade, however, the stories of those whose lives have been changed remain the greatest reward .
“Sa Serbisyong Totoo, Nabago Ang Buhay Ko” airs tomorrow on GMA’s SNBO.