Five outstanding recipients from Bhutan, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia were announced as the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees on Saturday, Aug. 31.
In a global announcement, the Board of Trustees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) declared that this year, four individuals from Bhutan, Indonesia, Japan, and Vietnam, and one movement from Thailand, will receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
The global announcement event kicked off the 66th Ramon Magsaysay Awards Festival Season.
The 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees are Karma Phuntsho from Bhutan, Miyazaki Hayao from Japan, the Rural Doctors Movement from Thailand, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong from Vietnam, and Farwiza Farhan from Indonesia.
2024 recipients
Phuntso from Bhutan is being recognized for “his invaluable and enduring contributions toward harmonizing the richness of his country’s past with the diverse predicaments and prospects of its present, inspiring young Bhutanese to be proud of their heritage and confident in their future."
The RMAF said that beyond Phuntsho's immediate horizon, his "work engages all peoples and cultures around the world facing the same challenges, reminding them to look back even as they move forward.”
Hayao from Japan is being recognized for “his lifelong commitment to the use of art, specifically animation, to illuminate the human condition, especially lauding his devotion to children as the torchbearers of imagination, to whom he has passed the light and spark of his own.”
The RMAF said the Rural Doctors Movement from Thailand is being recognized for “their historic and continuing contribution to their people’s health—and perhaps just as importantly, to their recognition and fulfillment as citizens with basic rights."
The RMAF noted that by championing the rural poor, the movement "made sure to leave no one behind as the nation marches forward to greater economic prosperity and modernization.”
Phuong from Vietnam is being recognized for “her spirit of public service and the message of hope she continues to propagate among her people."
The RMAF also noted that her work "serves as a dire warning for the world to avoid war at all costs, as its tragic repercussions can reach far into the future."
RMAF also stressed that Phuong offers "proof that it can never be too late to right the wrongs of war and gain justice and relief for its hapless victims.”
The RMAF also announced that Farhan from Indonesia is this year's Emergent Leadership awardee.
Farhan is being recognized for “her profound understanding of the vital connection between nature and humanity, her commitment to social justice and responsible citizenship through her work with forest communities, and her promotion of greater awareness of the need to protect the beating heart and lungs of her country’s and Asia’s rich but endangered natural resources.”
Asia’s premier prize
Established in 1958, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, recognized as Asia's highest honor and most prestigious prize, celebrates the greatness of spirit and transformative leadership embodied by its namesake.
The Award is presented annually to individuals and organizations across Asia who demonstrate the same selfless service and transformative leadership that characterized the life of the late, beloved Filipino leader.
"This year’s Ramon Magsaysay Awardees have reminded us that the future is shaped by those who dare to envision a better world and dedicate themselves to turning that vision into reality," said RMAF Chairperson Cheche L. Lazaro.
"By addressing critical social challenges and pioneering innovative solutions in their communities, they have shown us that creating positive change is not just a possibility but a shared responsibility," Lazaro explained.
"Their extraordinary stories compel us to reflect on our roles in shaping the world and inspire us to take small steps that can contribute to the betterment of society. We are deeply humbled by their acceptance of this Award, and we are honored to welcome them onto our distinguished roster of Ramon Magsaysay Awardees," she added.
RMAF President Susanna B. Afan noted that this year marks 66 years of the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
"We honor this year's recipients, whose tenacity amidst adversities reflects the very essence of the Award," she said.
Afan explained that for over six decades, the Award has celebrated those who "challenge the status quo with integrity by courageously confronting systemic injustices, transform critical sectors through groundbreaking solutions that drive societal progress, and address pressing global issues with unwavering resilience.”
Each Ramon Magsaysay Awardee receives a medallion bearing the likeness of the late President, a certificate with their citation, and a cash prize.
The 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees will be formally honored during the 66th Ramon Magsaysay Awards Presentation Ceremonies on Nov. 16, 2024, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.