Ma used the Japanese term "isshokenmei" to describe how Yoichi Hatta devoted his life to a noble cause: transforming the Chianan Plain from a barren wasteland to fertile farmland by constructing the irrigation system known as the Chianan Waterworks. Noting Hatta's great skill in building dams and his deep friendship with the people of Taiwan, Ma conveyed his gratitude to Yoichi Hatta for his enormous contributions to Taiwan.
馬英九在致詞中以「一生懸命」來形容八田與一將生命精華奉獻給一個崇高目標的精神，他娓娓述說嘉南平原如何透過嘉南大圳，從旱地沙漠蛻變為良田的經過，八田與一建造水壩的精密巧妙和他對待台灣人民的友善，並以「飲水思源」的心情，感謝八田先生對台灣的偉大貢獻。