President Ma Ying-jeou met on the morning of September 3 with Ms. Chen Shu-chu (陳樹菊), one of the winners of the 2012 Ramon Magsaysay Awards, which are bestowed annually in the Philippines. The president, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC, praised and congratulated Ms. Chen for her accomplishments. He also expressed his hopes that the people of Taiwan will emulate Ms. Chen's selfless dedication, which he said will enable the underprivileged to receive the care and concern they require.
In remarks, the president noted that Ms. Chen traveled to Manila on August 31 to receive one of the 2012 Ramon Magsaysay Awards. In its citation explaining the singling out of Ms. Chen for recognition, the Award Foundation's board of trustees recognized the pure altruism of her giving to the poor. The board also said that her work has moved many people in the Philippines as well. President Ma stated that two years ago Ms. Chen was selected as one of Time magazine's 100 people who most affect our world, and this year she has brought distinction to the people of Taiwan by being named as a winner of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, which is commonly referred to as the Nobel Prize of Asia.
President Ma said it is quite remarkable that Ms. Chen, who is not well to do, lives frugally in order to save money and donate it to charity. In fact, she has donated the entire US$50,000 prize from the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation to the Mackay Memorial Hospital Taitung Branch in eastern Taiwan. This spirit of selfless giving is worthy of emulation by the public, he said.
The president said that even though good deeds should be done in a low-key manner, we should let the world know when we witness good deeds being done. Ms. Chen's philanthropy, the president said, has influenced many people here, who themselves have begun to make charitable donations and quietly do good deeds. This has brought assistance to countless people who are in need of it. President Ma added that the government's resources are limited. More people in need can receive assistance if the private sector involves itself in this work. This will enable the underprivileged to have a greater level of dignity and make society a better place.
President Ma also listened to Ms. Chen describe her experience of visiting traditional markets in Manila, as well as seeing the activities being carried out in the Philippines by charitable organizations from Taiwan, such as Tzu Chi Foundation, Buddha's Light International Association, and Dharma Drum Mountain. She also related to the president the remarks made about her at the awards ceremony, as well as the pictures she had taken with Philippines President Benigno S Aquino III and other award winners.
Ms. Chen was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Taitung County Deputy Magistrate Chang Chi-yi (張基義) to receive congratulations from President Ma. Also attending the meeting was Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Chin-tien Yang (楊進添).