2024 Ramon Magsaysay awardees lauded

FOUR individuals and an organization of doctors that helped redefine and transform societies across Asia are this year's recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards. The awardees are Karma Phuntsho of Bhutan, Indonesia's Farwiza Farhan, Japanese animator Miyazaki Hayao, Vietnamese doctor Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong and the Rural Doctors Movement of Thailand. Except for Miyazaki, all of this year's awardees were present during the ceremonies. Phuntsho was recognized for his dedication to merging Bhutan's rich cultural heritage with modern challenges. He used his academic background and leadership skills to set up the Loden Foundation, which works on education, social entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation in Bhutan. Farhan was cited for devoting her career to safeguarding Indonesia's ecosystems despite facing gender, religious, and age-based challenges. She has been a leading force in conservation efforts and continues to inspire young people worldwide through her unwavering commitment. Miyazaki, represented by a member of Studio Ghibli which he co-founded, was celebrated for his groundbreaking work in animation, producing films that speak profound truths to children. He has inspired generations of thinkers and nurtured a deeper appreciation for the world and a compassionate future. Nguyen, an obstetrician, was recognized for her relentless advocacy and care for the victims of Agent Orange—a toxic chemical used during the Vietnam War. Her work has given voice to the victims, particularly mothers and children, and her commitment has helped heal deep wounds caused by war. The Rural Doctors Movement of Thailand was recognized for providing healthcare to remote and underserved communities in the country. The movement has addressed deep-rooted health inequalities and has helped transform the country's healthcare system, ensuring that even the most marginalized populations have access to quality medical care. In her remarks, Cecilia Lazaro, the chairman of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, highlighted the essence of the award, its distinction from other global recognitions and celebrated the remarkable achievements of this year's awardees. Lazaro emphasized the enduring legacy of Ramon Magsaysay, the seventh president of the Philippines, after whom the award is named. She said Magsaysay's leadership qualities — honesty, transparency, integrity and commitment to serving the people — served as the foundation for the award. Lazaro recalled how Magsaysay believed true leadership was not about power or prestige but about the courage to confront corruption, advocate for accountability, and restore public trust. She said the Magsaysay family has been a consistent presence at the award ceremonies for the past 66 years, underscoring their continued support for the foundation's mission and their shared values of service to the people. Lazaro said that "greatness of spirit," the central concept that defines the Magsaysay Award, is the intangible quality that encompasses passionate dedication to a cause, personal sacrifice, and rare selflessness. She said this quality distinguishes the Magsaysay awardees from other global honorees. "The award recognizes not just the accomplishments of individuals or organizations but their dedication to a greater good — often in the face of adversity and personal challenges," said Lazaro. The recipients, she said, embody this spirit through their unwavering commitment to effecting positive change in their communities and countries. Lazaro noted that the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation actively seeks individuals and organizations who redefine and transform societies across Asia. She said these leaders are recognized for their work in diverse fields, from social justice activism to public service, environmental conservation, scientific innovation, and the arts. She said the work of the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay awardees is a powerful reminder that "change does not belong to the powerful few but to all of us." She called on everyone to take inspiration from these leaders, to act courageously, and to speak out for justice, peace, and progress. "True progress requires not only passive observation but active participation in shaping a better future," said Lazaro.