Father Javier Olazabal: Championing Hope and Progress in Culion

Fr. Javier Olazabal, an old Jesuit priest hailing from Spain, landed in Culion on October 15, 1971. He said that it had been his dream to reach Culion and be its Catholic chaplain. The simple man who suddenly came on its shores won the hearts of the community quite easily. Demonstrating genuine care for the afflicted, showing no fear of contracting the disease as he mingled with them, they so much appreciated his empathy. While addressing the islanders’ spiritual needs, he prioritized the leprosy patients’ welfare.

Affectionately called “Father Ola” by the islanders, he was not only a holy man, but also a thinking man. The spiritual aspect of Culion could not thrive without tangible development in its inhabitants’ lives, and he wasdetermined to fix that, as well. He would need the help of philanthropists, and he knew just who to contact first: his former student from his years as a Deusto University professor, Don Jose Luis Gamarra, who was president of Fundacion ANESVAD. A prominent Spanish non-government organization, the foundation was unstinting with its financial aid to support the island’s livelihood and infrastructure requirements.

It is a mystery how Father Ola knew who to approach in the Philippines, but through his contacts, he may have acquired enough information to see his plans through to further improve conditions in Culion.

Don José Maria Soriano, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Philippines, was the co-owner of a top Philippine firm, San Miguel Corporation together with his brother, Andres. He was also CEO of its sister firm, A. Soriano Corporation.

Don José had searched through his companies and found three competent officers as candidates to join the Philippine Order of Malta and help him see his plans through in his work with the Order.