A Wise Dialogue between Former Philippine President Ramos
and Supreme Master Ching Hai

On February 21, Golden Year 6 (2009), the Taiwanese Chamber of the South Philippines and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) invited former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos to lead a delegation at a bilateral business convention held in Formosa. During his trip, Mr. Ramos stopped by the Love Ocean Arts Center, which serves as the Taipei Center of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. With gratitude for the president’s compassionate act in 1995 granting permanent residence to 5,000 Aulacese refugees in the Philippines, over 400 Association members sincerely welcomed former President Ramos and his lovely wife at the airport, greeting them with “Mabuhay” (meaning welcome and longevity in the Philippine language). The couple was delighted with the reception and graciously accepted flowers, shook hands with Association representatives, and pictures were taken with them.

In the afternoon, accompanied by several guests, former President Ramos visited the Love Ocean Arts Center. Hundreds of initiates turned out to extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to the distinguished guests, who included: Mr. Antonio I. Basilio, MECO Taiwan’s Managing Director and Resident Representative; Mr. Rizalino S. Navarro, Chairman of the Clark Economic Zone; Mr. Frumencio A. Lagustan, Executive Director of The Ramos Peace and Development Foundation; Ms. Allison Chao, a secretary with Formosa’s Foreign Ministry’s Department of East Asia and Pacific Affairs; Mr. Karl Min Ku, Director-General of Formosa’s National Central Library. The President waved and gave the thumbs-up sign to the crowd amidst a heartwarming atmosphere. The Association’s chairperson took the guests on a guided tour of the Center and presented SOS T-shirts and hats and Master’s publications as gifts to His Excellency, who immediately offered his own books as gifts to Master in return. On behalf of Supreme Master Ching Hai, the chairperson also presented a brooch pin from “The Wisdom of Solomon” Celestial Jewelry series, honoring his enlightened leadership; the President also accepted a matching pair of earrings for his wife.

Later, Supreme Master Ching Hai joined the guests and initiates in a videoconference, titled “Act Now! Creating a Safer, More Peaceful World,” that was broadcast live on Supreme Master Television to viewers worldwide. The Supreme Master and His Excellency Fidel Ramos discussed their past experiences in helping political refugees and their current efforts in helping those who have lost their homes due to global warming. Concerning the critical climate change situation, the former president spoke from his own environmental experience as a public servant, stating the need for countries to form a community of mutual aid to serve global interests. He also proposed that nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide, such as The Ramos Peace and Development Foundation and The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, work in close cooperation, setting an example for the world in informing people of the major climate threat.

Expressing agreement with His Excellency, Supreme Master Ching Hai added that the governments should lead by example, and the NGOs offer their support in strengthening this action to protect our only “home.” Master informed the audience that people who care about the planet should awaken their governments to take immediate action, making “Saving the Earth” their top priority. Expecting the advanced countries to be God’s light-bearers, the Supreme Master hoped these countries would help climate refugees by giving them a piece of land to make their home and offering economic aid as well, because only through such noble and virtuous deeds can the act of compassionately helping each other be glorified.

“As the second largest archipelagic country in the world,” said former President Ramos, “the Philippines takes the critical issue of global warming very seriously.” In his opinion, stopping climate change is everyone’s responsibility, because the Bible, the Korean and the Hebrew scriptures all teach people to ensure the wellbeing of neighbors who are in need and in suffering. His motto has always been “caring, sharing, daring.” He thinks that human beings should have greater courage to spread love regardless of the rewards.

In addition to providing aid for climate refugees, Master discussed the benefits of organic agriculture and the importance of the vegan diet. Adopting the vegan diet not only nurtures the human body, it elevates the spirit as well. It makes it possible to provide more food to the hungry and drastically lowers greenhouse gas emissions so that global warming can be stopped. Therefore, it is the only solution to the environmental crisis the Earth is now experiencing.

Due to plenty of exercise and his healthy lifestyle, the 81-year-old former president always appears in good spirits. When Master asked him how he felt participating in the videoconference after a long flight, he humorously replied, “I am better than the others.” When leaving, he turned around several times to wave goodbye, and showed his energetic spirit by hopping a few times, which won a big round of applause from the initiates.

His Excellency’s enlightened wisdom, humorous tone and lively presence brought joy and encouragement to everyone. Supreme Master Ching Hai expressed immense delight that such a noble personage was visiting Formosa, inspiring this beautiful island and the world. Master also wished former President Ramos good health, good luck, longevity, and success in establishing peaceful relations among countries for a better world.

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