TACLOBAN CITY — Tributes poured in from religious groups, humanitarian organizations, and public figures following the passing of Sr. Eva Fidela Maamo, a nun, surgeon, and 1997 Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient, who dedicated more than four decades of her life to serving poor and marginalized communities.
The Liloan, Southern Leyte native was 85.
Sr. Maamo, who founded the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, Inc., was widely recognized for bringing medical and humanitarian services to remote and underserved areas across the Philippines, particularly indigenous and urban poor communities.
In a statement, the Our Lady of Peace Hospital, which she established, said her life was “beautifully lived in service to the poor and those in need,” adding that she would be remembered for her compassion and dedication.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation described her as “a tireless servant of the poor,” noting her significant contributions to community-based healthcare and outreach programs.
Born in Liloan, Sr. Maamo began her mission in 1986 when she established her foundation, which organized free medical and surgical missions, livelihood programs, feeding initiatives for malnourished children, and shelter support for street children and abused women.
Her volunteer medical teams—composed of doctors, nurses, and dentists—provided free services to tens of thousands of patients nationwide, often in hard-to-reach communities.
“Diminutive in stature but immense in spirit, she led not by authority but by example,” the Magsaysay Foundation said, crediting her leadership as a driving force behind exhausting but sustained medical missions.
Tributes also came from church leaders, including Bishop Precioso Cantillas of the Diocese of Maasin, who described her as one of Southern Leyte’s most distinguished daughters and a model of faith-driven service.
“Her tireless work as a healer and advocate for the marginalized was a profound witness to her faith and love for humanity,” Cantillas said, adding prayers for her eternal rest.
Former Isabela governor and journalist Grace Padaca recalled Sr. Maamo’s humility and continued outreach work even in later years, noting her frequent visits to indigenous communities and continued involvement in humanitarian activities despite declining health.
In 2006, she was awarded the Lasallian Star of Faith Award by the De La Salle Philippines, the highest honor given by the Lasallian community, in recognition of her decades of service.
As tributes continue to pour in, colleagues and beneficiaries alike remember Sr. Maamo as a symbol of compassion and selfless service whose legacy continues to inspire humanitarian work in the country.
(RONALD O. REYES)
