Vision of Compassion: Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Tadashi Hattori and Tzu Chi Foundation’s Cataract Outreach Collaboration

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) through the Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute (RMTLI) has successfully implemented its recent collaborative initiative, "See Love Clearly: A February Surgical Outreach," held from February 20 to 22, 2024. This initiative, in partnership with Tzu Chi Foundation, founded by 1991 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Dharma Master Cheng-Yen of Taiwan, and 2022 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Dr. Tadashi Hattori of Japan, provided vital cataract surgeries to underserved communities in the Philippines.

In the three-day event, Dr. Hattori expressed his profound satisfaction in being part of such a meaningful project, “I am deeply honored to be a part of this meaningful collaboration with the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation and Tzu Chi Foundation. As a foreign doctor, I was able to further understand the cataract situation here in the Philippines. This will surely be the beginning of many eye missions.”

The success of "See Love Clearly: A February Surgical Outreach" exemplifies RMTLI's commitment to impactful partnerships. Collaborating with organizations like the Tzu Chi Foundation and leveraging the expertise of Ramon Magsaysay Awardees such as Dr. Hattori, RMTLI showcases its capacity to drive meaningful change through collective efforts.

"This synergy between Dr. Tadashi Hattori, the Tzu Chi Foundation, and the support of different organizations such as the Philippine College of Surgeons and the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, is what the Ramon Magsaysay Award and the Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute are all about—Greatness of Spirit," remarked RMAF President Susanna B. Afan. “Our Ramon Magsaysay Awardees, our esteemed Filipino ophthalmologists and our small army of volunteers from Tzu Chi Foundation illustrates that true success is not measured by accolades or personal achievements, but rather by the positive influence and impact you bring to others. It lies in witnessing the transformative change you instill in the lives of the people you connect with,” Afan adds.

The project was made possible through the commitment of the medical professionals and the volunteers of the Tzu Chi Foundation, the support from Dr. Vivencio Jose P. Villaflor III, President of the Philippine College of Surgeons, and Dr. Marcus Lester Suntay, representative of the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission and co-founder of World Surgical Foundation Philippines.

Guided by principles of integrity, compassion, and selfless service, RMTLI projects such as "See Love Clearly: A February Surgical Outreach" drives meaningful change through collective efforts. It ensures that the spirit of transformative leadership thrives, leaving a lasting impact on communities globally.