'Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho' at 20: A look back on life-changing stories

Twenty years of storytelling, 20 years of lives changed.

"Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" (KMJS), GMA Network's award-winning public affairs show and multi-platform leader is celebrating its 20th year this 2024, and it continued its mission of telling the stories of real lives and communities of the Filipino people.

In commemoration of the show's 20th anniversary, KMJS looks back on two stories that made a mark and left an impact on both the show's team and its Kapuso viewers.

Tamugan River crossing

In April 2022, KMJS told the story of the residents of Barangay Tambobong in Davao City who risked their lives by crossing the Tamugan River to reach schools, hospitals, and other facilities.

Among the residents who got featured in the show was Jason Lowengo, who had been suffering from abdominal pain and foot swelling for many years.

Crossing the Tamugan River was a challenge for Jason, to say the least, with his neighbors needing to carry him for an hour to avoid getting washed away by the river's current.

Aside from Jason and other residents who need to go to the hospital for medical care, students must also brave the river to go to school.

"Kapag bumabagyo, hindi po talaga nakakapunta 'yung mga estudyante dito," a Davao-based teacher named Lea told KMJS.

["The students can't really come to the schools when there's a storm."]

"Malakas 'yung current ng tubig po kaya 'yung mga bata, kawawa talaga," she added.

["The river's current is strong, which makes it a challenge for our students to travel."]

Five months after their story aired on KMJS, the local government of Davao started the construction of the first bridge in the Tamugan River, and when the KMJS team visited the area, the bridge, which spans 50 meters, was already fully functional.

"Dahil sa pag-feature ng KMJS sa kuwento namin, kumilos agad ang local government unit," a resident named Sosita said.

["Because of KMJS, our local government unit acted immediately."]

"Nagpapasalamat kami nang malaki kasi napansin talaga ang problema," she added. "Natupad 'yung pangarap namin na magkaroon ng tulay dito sa amin."

["We are very grateful because our problem was solved. Our dream of having a bridge has come true."]

After the bridge was made, teacher Cristina Maglente said students have become more active in attending classes.

"Dumami na talaga 'yung estudyante namin simula noong meron ng tulay," she said. "Aktibo na sila sa klase.

Filipino babies switched at birth

In February 2021, a case of Filipino babies switched at birth aired on KMJS, which marked the first documented case of baby switching in the Philippines, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In the episode, the DNA test results showed that Aphril and Marvin Sifiata and Margareth Traballo and Kim Jasper Mulleno brought home the wrong babies after giving birth.

Aphril, a first-time mom, immediately noticed something different with her newborn. She sought the help of KMJS to confirm if they were given the wrong baby at the hospital.

KMJS then facilitated the DNA testing in 2021.

The DNA test result: Negative. Aphril and the baby in her care are not biologically related.

Likewise, the DNA test done on Margareth and her baby also yielded a negative result.

Both couples underwent a confirmatory DNA test and agreed to return each other's babies should both test results come back positive – and true enough, both DNA tests returned positive.

"I feel overwhelmed. I'm very happy that I'll finally be with my baby, and they can be with theirs. I'm very grateful. If it weren't for KMJS, we wouldn't know the truth," Margareth said in the 2021 KMJS episode.

Three years after the baby switching story aired on KMJS, Soho visited both the kids, who happened to be her godchildren.

According to Soho, both Ayu and Kairo are healthy and lively.

After their tragic experience of baby switching, the two families often bond with each other occasionally.

"Automatic na 'yun na pag uuwi kami doon sa Montalban, dapat magkikita kami," Margareth said.

[It's a given that we should all meet every time we come home to Montalban.]

"Kasi gusto ko po maglalaro silang dalawa at saka makakapagkwentuhan din kami ni Aphril," she added.

["Because I want our kids to play, and Aphril and I can also catch up."]

Despite the unfortunate incident in the hospital, the families decided not to pursue legal action against the medical establishment. In return, the hospital reimbursed all the fees both families spent for giving birth. 

In the past 20 years and for more years to come, KMJS promises to tell the stories and raise awareness of Filipinos and communities in need of help and attention.

"Harinawa, sa mga dadating pang taon, marami pa tayong buhay na mabago!" Soho said.