KITAP Stories

Founded in 1986, KITAP (Kidney Transplant Association of the Philippines, Inc.) began as a support group for kidney transplant recipients seeking hope, guidance, and community. Over the years, KITAP has grown into a nationwide organization advocating organ donation awareness, patient support, and healthy living after transplantation. From representing the Philippines in the World Transplant Games to launching the Philippine National Transplant Games, KITAP continues to inspire thousands of transplantees to embrace a meaningful and active “second life.

  • August 1985

    • A transplantee discovers the positive impact of sharing experiences during post-transplant clinic visits.

    • A medical team member suggests forming a support association for transplantees.

    • Ms. Jojie Rago (MSSD Chief), Ms. Adoracion C. Madlangbayan, Ms. Chit Apura, and Dr. Antonio Paraiso begin meeting with a core group led by Engr. Armando Zabala Jr. to plan the association.

  • May 12, 1986

    • The first set of officers registers the Kidney Transplant Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KITAP) with the SEC.

  • 1987

    • With seed money from Mrs. Celia Diaz Laurel, KITAP opens a gift shop to fund its activities.

  • 1989

    • KITAP represents the Philippines for the first time at the World Transplant Games (WTG) in Singapore.

  • 1991–2007

    • KITAP continues to represent the Philippines in the World Transplant Games held in:

    • 1991 – Budapest, Hungary

    • 1993 – Vancouver, Canada

    • 1995 – Manchester, UK

    • 1997 – Sydney, Australia

    • 1999 – Budapest, Hungary

    • 2001 – France

    • 2002 – Thailand

    • 2003 – Kobe, Japan

    • 2005 – Canada

    • 2007 – Chiang Mai, Thailand

    • 2007 Achievements:

    • Ruby Pagdato & Lenny Torrecampo win Gold (Bowling Senior Female).

    • Engr. Dominador Fermin wins Silver (Petanque).

    • Mr. Abraham Mirandilla Jr. wins Bronze (Petanque).

  • 1991

    • After years of advocacy, the Organ Donation Act (Republic Act 7170) is signed into law.

  • December 1991

    • First issue of KITAP’s quarterly newsletter PITAK is published.

  • 1993

    • During the WTG in Vancouver, KITAP members brainstorm the idea of a national transplant sports event.

  • 1994

    • The First National Transplant Games (FNTG) is held, promoting camaraderie and showcasing the abilities of transplantees.

  • Following Years

    • The event is renamed the Philippine National Transplant Games (PNTG), now ongoing for more than 13 years.

  • Today

    • KITAP has grown to over a thousand kidney transplant recipient members from Regions I–XII and NCR.

    • The organization continues its mission to support patients, promote organ donation awareness, and encourage a healthy “second life.”