Camillian missionary Fr. Giuseppe Didone won the Public Health Recognition Award (APACPH), a prize that acknowledges the contributions of profesional people in the public health field and their distinguished service to humankind.
President Tsai Ing-wen received the eight winners of this year’s prestigious award at the Office of the President on November 6, 2020 and described them as inspirational role models. Introducing Fr. Didoné to the audience, President Tsai spared no words to praise the Italian priest who has been living in Taiwan for 55 years. She thanked him immensely on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan for having set up special care centers for children with intellectual and physical disabilities in Penghu and Yilan counties and for all his efforts in improving the local medical institutions.
President Tsai then remembered Taiwan’s enthusiastic response to the fundraising appeal launched by Fr. Didone in early April to help Italian hospitals fight the coronavirus pandemic. To the President, this clearly reflects the great appreciation of the people of Taiwan for Fr. Didone’s dedication and hard work.
The Italian missionary received Taiwanese citizenship in 2017 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the local society.