100 dads in Quezon get free medical services from GMA Kapuso Foundation for Father's Day

A total of 100 fathers in Candelaria, Quezon, received free medical services from GMA Kapuso Foundation in celebration of Father's Day and in observance of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

According to "24 Oras" Friday, among those who benefited from the project include fisherman Patrico Edquilang and hog raiser Bhot Echipare.

Edquilang only earns P2,500 a month as a fisherman, as his income has declined due to high fuel costs.

"Pag may konting nararamdaman ako, hindi ako makapaghanapbuhay. Kawawa yung pamilya ko," he said.

Echipare, on the other hand, turned to hog raising after he suffered losses in rice farming. With two children still in college, he said he resorts to herbal drinks whenever he feels unwell.

Through GMA Kapuso Father, 100 fathers in Candelaria underwent free prostate-specific antigen tests, digital rectal exams, consultations, and received free medicines.

A lecture on prostate health was also conducted during the event, while participants also received giveaways, vitamins, food, and free haircuts.

"Pinakamataas na percentage rates ng prostate cancer sa mga edad 50 years old pataas. Una, 'yung hirap umihi, mahapdi, paputol-putol o nag-e-exert para umihi, saka may dugo," said Dr. Armando Cepeda, a surgeon at St. Pio's Medical Center

Meanwhile, residents affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Mindanao are still in need of assistance. The GMA Kapuso Foundation is now preparing for the second wave of its Operation Bayanihan project in SOCCSKSARGEN.

Those who wish to donate relief goods are advised to ensure that items have at least six months before their expiration dates. The following items are accepted:

• Rice
• Noodles
• Canned goods
• Water
• Coffee
• Sugar
• Hygiene kits
• New sleping mats
• New blankets
• New clothes
• New slippers

Material donations may be dropped off at these locations from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 2/F, Kapuso Center, Samar Avenue, GMA Network Drive, South Triangle, Quezon City
• GMA Kapuso Foundation Warehouse, #366 GMA Compound Tandang Sora Avenue, Barangay Culiat, Tandang Sora, Quezon City

Cash donations may also be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, Shopee, and Palawan Pay. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.—CDC, GMA News