Text by Jennifer Manongdo
Photos by Sarah Hazel Moces Pulumbarit

The Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko Foundation, Inc. (KMKFI) and the University of the Philippines Manila formally agreed to collaborate under the Pro Health Initiative to advance educational discussions on the public health impacts of microplastics. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed by KMKFI and UP Manila on Nov. 14, 2025, as both agreed to launch educational activities and explore and implement community-based health promotion and advocacy programs on the said public health concern. The partnership includes supporting the media-based health education program of the KMKFI through expert advice from doctors from the University; allowing KKMKFI’s indigent beneficiaries to access medical care programs of  UP Manila, and co-developing and implementing outreach activities and medical missions in underserved communities. 

Under the Pro Health Initiative, the following topics may be discussed in KMKFI TV segments: current studies on microplastics, pathways by which microplastics enter the body, protective measures to reduce microplastics exposure, and environmental and societal implications of microplastics. 

Present at the MOA signing were Dr. Orlando Mercado, KKMKFI president; Margo Mercado, KKMKFI Executive Director; Genrev Rufino, KKMKFI social coordinator; Dr. Charlie Labrada, dean of the School of Health Sciences; Dr. Marissa, NIH executive director, and Chancellor Michael Tee.

 #FP1 #FP6 #UniversityofthePhilippinesManila

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