“Be Opened” to Ephpheta Foundation for the Blind, Inc. in the Philippines

By Jeanelle Padre, Pharm.D, CFO and Secretary

On Tuesday, May 11, 2010, I had the privilege to visit Ephpheta Foundation for the Blind, Inc. located in Quezon City, Philippines. This was a follow-up visit after Blind Start of America’s (BLINDSTART) Founder Brian Tom’s initial visit in September 2009. Established on September 21, 1969 under the pastoral ministry of Rev. Jesus V. Fernandez, S.J.; Ephpheta is one of the oldest non-governmental (NGO) institutions in the Philippines. Its goal is to improve the quality of life of the blind and to make them productive members of the Philippines society. “Ephpheta” is an ancient Aramaic word meaning “Be Opened.” Ephpheta’s training programs are geared toward the development of the blind person physically, intellectually, morally and spiritually. Ephpheta has two major programs which are the Cataracts Prevention Program and the Independent Living Rehabilitation Program that involves learning Braille, mobility, daily living skills, basic high school, continuing education and vocational skills in Massage Therapy and Music. Every 5 months Ephpheta has a class of students recruited from all over the area ranging from ages 14-46 years who live on site in Ephpheta’s three story building facility and go through the Independent Living Rehabilitation Program. At the time of my visit there were 15 trainees. I interviewed Joanna Rose Bautista a 19 year old woman who lost her sight in 2006. Joanna shared that she came to Ephpheta to complete her high school education and learn to become independent and hopes to attend college. I met trainer Ms. Lucy Sarto, and masseuse instructor Mr. Fred Dulay who are blind themselves and are very dedicated to their students. To complete my visit, I was given the great pleasure of musical performances by the students. I shared with Ephpheta, BLINDSTART’s LIMITLESS VISION and mission here in the United States, and pledged that BLINDSTART will continue to collaborate in efforts to help bring awareness to the community and “OPEN UP” other blind/visually impaired persons to opportunities ultimately leading to lives of independence. In 2009, BLINDSTART donated P 12,500 (pesos). After discussing challenges in operating a non-profit organization with Executive Director Carrie Palma and Director of Rehabilitation Ms. Doris Ferrer, we came up with BLINDSTART collaborating in raising funds to purchase and send mobility canes to Ephpheta for a CLASS of students.

YOU can help.

PLEASE DONATE $50 to BLINDSTART so an Ephpheta student may be empowered with a mobility cane which is important for identification and navigation as a blind person.

Give a gift. You can donate ON-LINE.

All donations are tax-deductible (EIN: 83-0443518) and receipt will be mailed upon processing.