| Letter of Appreciation |
| Creating Strength through Mutual Assistance
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World peace and harmony come through both individual contributions and collective endeavors. For years, Supreme Master Ching Hai has worked to elevate the spiritual consciousness of this planet and illuminate the hearts of humanity. Likewise, in the spirit of kapatiran (meaning brotherhood), former President Fidel V. Ramos of the Philippines has fostered unity and mutual understanding within his country and beyond. Not surprisingly, the two prominent leaders – guided by a shared vision of a brighter future for the Asia-Pacific region – are also engaged in a collective effort to bring constructive change to the world.
Recently, Supreme Master Ching Hai contributed US$30,000 to the nonprofit Ramos Peace and Development Foundation established by Mr. Ramos. With a motto of “Caring, sharing and daring,” the organization’s purpose is to empower youth, support sustainable development, alleviate poverty and develop democratic governance. Master’s munificent support, coming at an opportune time, was highly appreciated. In his letter dated September 15, the former President wrote, “As we face the global challenges that lie ahead, we draw inspiration from friends and supporters who have shared with us their time, talent and resources and who we consider our partners in the promotion of people empowerment and development.”
The friendship and respect shared between the two leaders has grown steadily over the years, based on a shared interest in serving those in need. In the 1960s, Mr. Ramos was a major at the Tây Ninh base in southwestern Âu Laạc (Vietnam), where 3,500 Philippines volunteered to build roads and provide medical and other forms of aid to Aulacese war victims. Later, during his time as President of the Philippines, Supreme Master Ching Hai went to the presidential palace Malacañang to ask for his assistance on behalf of the Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees who were at that time refused refugee status by other countries and thus would face repatriation. In response, the president issued an order granting permanent residency to some 5,000 Aulacese (Vietnamese) refugees and in one defining moment, the Philippines became the only country in the world to offer permanent refuge for the Aulacese “asylum seekers.” Always remembering the leader’s great kindness with gratitude and respect, Supreme Master Ching Hai presented the Shining World Leadership Award to His Excellency Fidel Ramos in February 2007. In speaking of him, She said, “He is a great man, kind and loving leader to his people and strangers. On his birthday, he’d spend his wealth and time with the poor.”
May this harmonious cooperation between
the Supreme Master and His Excellency Fidel Ramos shine as a true example
of mutual assistance, support and kapatiran for all countries and
inspire further evolution toward a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious
planet. 
September 25, 2008 THE SUPREME MASTER CHING HAI
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and members of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV), allow me to extend our appreciation for your donation of Thirty Thousand Dollars (US$ 30,000.00). Your support to the Foundation truly reflects your commitment to empowering the Filipino people, especially the youth, as we aspire towards a “world class” Philippines. Your caring, sharing and daring inspires us to work harder as RPDEV continues to contribute its modest efforts to enduring peace and sustainable development for the Asia-Pacific region.
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| Ramos Peace and Development Foundation:http://www.rpdev.org/
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