THE Apl.de.ap Foundation International (Adafi) recently donated ophthalmology equipment, a retinal imaging camera system (RetCam) and laser, to the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital (JBLMRH).
A memorandum of agreement (MOA), a ceremonial turnover, and unveiling of the marker at its auditorium were held in connection to the program.
This is the second time that Adafi installed a RetCam in the country.
The foundation installed its first retinal imaging camera system at the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City, Davao del Sur in collaboration with the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology.
In its first RetCam, Adafi was also assisted by Dr. Thomas Lee, a pediatric ophthalmologist in the United States and the Director of the Vision Center and the Children’s Hospital.
Lee trained the specialists on the proper use of RetCam.
Apl.de.ap, also known as Allan Pineda Lindo, was born and raised in Barangay Sapangbato in Angeles City, Pampanga.
He is a member of the international Grammy award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas, and the founder of Adafi.
The international artist vowed to acquire additional RetCams for other regional hospitals in the Philippines.
In October 2015, the Adafi launched its first healthcare program called “Campaign for Filipino Children” (CFC), which addresses retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
ROP is a condition among premature newborn babies that can cause lifelong blindness if not addressed within 48 hours of birth or diagnosis.
Several years ago, Apl.de.ap said that the foundation searched for a solution to prevent blindness.
“I’m legally blind. I had a hard time going to school, I couldn’t read the board, I couldn’t excel as fast as I wanted to but I have great support system—my family, my mother, because they treat me like everybody else. My support system gave me support to my dreams,” Apl.de.ap said.
He added that there was a teacher who keeps on making him stand in front of blackboard.
Apl.de.ap said that the experience made him realize that his teacher only wanted him to try harder.
“Now I really thank her for doing that because now I don’t let anything stop me from pursuing my dreams and feel like my disability is my ability to conquer the world and pursue my dreams,” Apl.de.ap furthered.
In 2015, the Black Eyed Peas member said they created the Apl of my Eye campaign.
“We made the promise by delivering the first retinal camera outside of Manila - this was the fifth one in all of Philippines,” he said.
The retinal cameras are used to detect retinal dystrophy amongst infants who have to be diagnosed in the first 48 hours.
“It was important for me to choose a location that help everyone outside of the capital and have access to the machine so we chose to deliver the first one in Davao. Thank you because now I hear that the equipment is travelling throughout Philippines and helping other regions,” he added.
Apl.de.ap said that the machine means so much to him and should be delivered in City of San Fernando.
“I know what it’s like to grow up here, and not being able to see. Today we’re taking one step closer to make sure that no other kid will have to learn what it is to grow up with a visual impairment. Together we could help the Philippines see a little better and a brighter future,” Apl.de.ap said.
The Executive Committee of Adafi, along with Apl.de.ap, together with the representatives of the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, The Filipino Food Movement, and JBLMRH signed the MOA.
An unveiling of marker and recognition award also happened during the event, giving recognition to the ALQ Foundation as sponsor, Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc. as benefactor, CFC, and Adafi.
The rapper-singer gave special thanks to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc., CFC, WesternUnion.com, Alexis Louisa Quiza (ALQ) Foundation, Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Department of JBLMRH, and City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin Santiago.
“I also want to take a moment to recognize Sonia Delen for her hardwork and J. Robbie Fabian,” Apl.de.ap noted.
Sonia Delen is the chairperson of CFC and a member of ADAFI Executive Committee. J. Robbie Fabian is also a member of the ADAFI Executive Committee.