Japan Signs a New Grant Contract for the Provision of Ophthalmic Surgical Equipment for Treating More Cataract Patients

On 06 February 2024, Ambassador KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko signed a grant contract under Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP)¹ at the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF). The total grant amount of USD 110,020 or PHP 6,199,641 has been approved for the project titled “The Project for the Provision of Ophthalmic Surgical Equipment in Parañaque, Metro Manila.” The ceremony was attended by Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Ms. Cecilia L. Lazaro, Chairperson of the RMAF Board of Trustees, and Ms. Sussana Afan, President of RMAF. A message from Dr. HATTORI Tadashi was shared remotely from Japan.

Ambassador KOSHIKAWA also delivered a speech during the ceremony. He conveyed Japan’s commitment as the Philippines’ strategic and devoted partner in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, and asserted that the Embassy will continue to engage in emphasizing the importance of the people-centered approach and addressing human security issues at the grassroots level through the GGP.Ambassador KOSHIKAWA also delivered a speech during the ceremony. He conveyed Japan’s commitment as the Philippines’ strategic and devoted partner in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, and asserted that the Embassy will continue to engage in emphasizing the importance of the people-centered approach and addressing human security issues at the grassroots level through the GGP. The estimated number of cataract patients in Metro Manila is approximately 146,000, with over 30% facing challenges in receiving timely surgery despite their serious conditions due to factors like high costs or extended wait times at public hospitals. This situation can lead to delayed treatment, potentially resulting in blindness and impacting the quality of life for patients and their families. This project was originally introduced by Dr. HATTORI Tadashi, the recipient of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2022. The realization of this project will be overseen by Sister Eva Fidela Maamo, another Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient in 1997 and the founder of the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc. (FOLPMI).  FOLPMI will procure a new pharcoemulsification device and microscope that will help their doctors provide affordable and high-quality cataract surgeries to people in need.

¹ As the top ODA donor for the Philippines, the Government of Japan launched the GGP scheme in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and help various communities engage in grassroots activities. The above project signed today is the newest addition to the 560 grassroots projects that have already been implemented by the GGP. Japan believes that these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries.