The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines marked a milestone in its humanitarian efforts with the turnover of new ophthalmic surgical equipment to the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc. (FOLPMI) in Parañaque, Metro Manila. The event, attended by Embassy second secretary NISHIMURA Tokiko, FOLPMI chairman emeritus Sr. Eva Fidela C. Maamo, and local government officials including Parañaque City congressman Edwin Olivarez and mayor Eric Olivarez, was a step forward in addressing the growing issue of cataract-related visual impairment in the country.
The project, funded through Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) and its grant assistance for grass-roots human security projects (GGP), provides FOLPMI with critical medical equipment, including a phacoemulsification machine and an LED operating microscope. The grant, valued at USD110,020 (approximately P6.2 million), replaces outdated and malfunctioning equipment, enabling FOLPMI to continue offering affordable eye care to marginalized communities.
Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in the Philippines, affecting over a million people. However, many patients lack access to affordable treatment due to the concentration of ophthalmologists in private facilities. With this grant, Japan reaffirms its commitment to improving healthcare access at the grassroots level and enhancing the quality of life for Filipino citizens.
In her address, Ms. Nishimura expressed her optimism for the future, emphasizing that this initiative would bring clearer, brighter visions to countless individuals suffering from visual impairments.
This year, Japan celebrates the 70th anniversary of its ODA program, which has funded over 560 GGP projects in the Philippines alone. By focusing on sectors such as healthcare, education, and disaster prevention, Japan continues to strengthen its strategic partnership with the Philippines and demonstrate its long-standing commitment to human security and development.
