Hon. Cristina G. Ortega
Assistant Secretary, ASPAC (DFA)
Dr. Maria Paz P. Corrales
Medical Specialist, Team Leader (DOH)
Dr. Aida L. Muncada
Medical Specialist, National Center for Mental Health
Dr. Sharon J. Triunfo
Medical Specialist, National Center for Mental Health
Dr. Carmencita A. Banatin
Director, Health Emergency Management Staff (DOH)
Mr. Josel F. Ignacio
Director, North East Asia Division (DFA)
Thank you for coming to this Sending-Off Ceremony of the Filipino Medical Team to Japan.
Since the massive earthquake and tsunami hit Northeast Japan on March 11, the media coverage of the disaster, the suffering and the resilience of the Japanese victims was phenomenal. But little were known about the Filipinos who were members of Japanese families and part of the local workforce. In Japan, there are currently about 210,000. Such Filipinos are hanging on and doing their best to help recover the local community and Japan.
After the initial chaotic conditions subsided, lifeline and supply chains were restored ahead of schedule and economic activities are coming back to normal. People are now trying to cope with the invisible damage caused to the victims' psychology. It is quite normal after such a devastating loss and heartbreaking grief.
The Philippine Government recognizing such needs, kindly offered to send a Filipino Medical Team to provide required mental health care. The team will primarily take care of Filipinos but will also help local Japanese as required. The warm and caring smiles of the Filipina may just be enough.
William Arthur Ward, a writer of inspiring maxims, an American army officer who spent four years in the Philippines said, “when we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.”
I believe this is such example. The Philippine has discovered the remarkable resilience of Japan in plight and shown great compassion. I believe it will be vice versa with the Japanese.
To conclude let me thank the people and the Government of the Philippines for their kindness and assure you that you are yet to see our best.
Embassy of Japan in the Philippines