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The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) hosted the contract signing between the Embassy of Japan and the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc. (FOLPMI), represented by 1997 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee from the Philippines, Sister Eva Fidela Maamo. The contract signing ceremony formalized a grant under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP). Collaborated by Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo and Dr. Tadashi Hattori (Japan), the project aims to provide essential cataract surgeries to underserved communities.
Underscoring Japan’s commitment as a strategic partner to the Philippines by emphasizing a people-centered approach in addressing social issues at the grassroots level, Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko formalized the agreement for the project titled “The Project for the Provision of Ophthalmic Surgical Equipment in Parañaque, Metro Manila.”
He shares, “The project we sign today originated when Dr. Tadashi Hattori, a prominent ophthalmologist who has been treating people in Vietnam free of charge for over 20 years, shared with us his insights into the possibility of implementing a similar project in the Philippines. His vision was then carried on and is about to be realized by Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo, who dedicates her life to supporting underprivileged people in the Philippines. It is indeed an honor to be able to connect the respected endeavor of the two extraordinary humanitarians through the GGP.”
The ceremony, held at the Ramon Magsaysay Center, was attended by Ms. Cecilia L. Lazaro, RMAF Chairperson. She expressed her confidence in the collaborative effort, stating, “The Foundation is steadfast in its commitment to amplifying the impact of our work by fostering collaborations among our esteemed Magsaysay Awardees. The recent partnership between Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo and Dr. Tadashi Hattori epitomizes this dedication, showcasing their shared passion for providing quality cataract surgeries. Moreover, this collaboration ignites the potential for future partnerships with other Magsaysay Awardees, illustrating the Foundation's unwavering dedication to advancing common goals through the Greatness of Spirit. We hope this inspires others to embrace positive change.”
In her opening address, RMAF President Susanna B. Afan emphasized the Foundation’s mission. Afan shares, “While greatness of spirit is hard to define, what we know for sure is that it is borderless. It is our honor and privilege to host the Embassy of Japan as we embark on yet another project that underscores this. The collaboration between two Ramon Magsaysay Laureates, Dr. Tadashi Hattori of Japan, and Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo of the Philippines, will restore the eyesight of people in need. Through their efforts, they will literally usher in a new light in these people’s lives, improving their lives on countless fronts.”
In a statement, Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo expressed her gratitude to the Embassy of Japan and the people of Japan at large, “With the grant from Japan for the procurement of surgical devices, we at the Our Lady of Peace Eye Center hopes to serve better and reach more people. Thank you so much, Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko. We would not be able to have this machine without your generosity. Thank you also to the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation for being with us not only in this undertaking but in our previous projects for the benefit of the poor.”
Also present during the grant signing are Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., RMAF Board of Trustee Ambassador Delia D. Albert, FOLPMI Board of Directors Vice-President Dr. Marcus Lester Suntay, and representatives from the Embassy of Japan in Manila.
