KARACHI: Princess of three islands in the Philippines, Sultana Maria Amor, concluded a five-day philanthropic visit to Pakistan’s southern Karachi city on Sunday on the invitation of a private citizen and welfare trust, and launched the local chapter of her US-based non-profit ‘We Care for Humanity,’ (WCFH), vowing to become an ambassador to promote Pakistan.
“There are many different impressions (about Pakistan) outside the country and the reality is totally different,” she said in an interview with Arab News on Sunday.
“What’s really amazing for me are the people who are really calm, peaceful and friendly.”
“As they say, it’s the land of hospitality, which is 200 percent true. I have met a lot of wonderful people...and they are so willing to cooperate with us on our philanthropic mission,” the Princess continued.
“I will be one of the people who will promote the beauty of Pakistan,” she said.
The environment was a primary focus of her visit to the South Asian country of 210 million people, as well as the challenges of waste management, education, health and women empowerment.
“Dignitaries and royals are possible investors and contributors for social economic projects,” the Princess said, and added she would bring investors to Pakistan who could contribute to projects in education, health and climate change.
“I brought with me a program which is called RDF (refuse derived fuel) for a cleaner environment,” she continued.
“I’ll be able to donate RDF to developing countries to replace coal because coal is the number one contributor to destroying our planet,” she said.
The Princess also introduced a program called ‘Free Land Tourism’ to benefit northern Pakistan.
Karachi’s the start, she said, and added she would expand the program to Islamabad and all over Pakistan with the beneficiaries of her education projects mostly people in Pakistan’s most remote areas.
“Free Land Tourism is designed for...the far-flung areas with poor people, with indigenous groups and tribes,” she said.
“I can’t wait to go to those places... Balochistan, Kashmir, KPK and Islamabad.”
But beyond the culture, scenery and people, it was the food that seemed to have won the royal’s heart.
“I think I’ve gained about 10 pounds [after] coming to Karachi,” the Princess laughed.
“I love it. We actually have a lot of similarities. We [in Philippines] also eat hot food. And it’s really delicious,” she said before turning back to matters of business.
“Our team here will advocate education, health, eradication of poverty, climate change, human rights and peace,” she said. “We’re here to work.”
