Speaking as guest of honor, Atienza said the theme reflects her own advocacy in public service.
“When I was running as vice mayor, my advocacy was to be the ‘Liwanag ng Maynila,’ which means to be the light in the city,” Atienza said.
Atienza, who has a background in missionary and advocacy work, emphasized that leadership is not about power but about “purpose and compassion in action.”
“I am truly not a politician. Although I come from a political family, I’ve spent my life as a missionary, working in advocacy, and I know I am with like-hearted people,” she added.
She said these values are the same as those upheld by the Ramon Magsaysay laureates, who embody selfless service, transformative leadership, and integrity.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award, often called Asia’s Nobel Prize, is the region’s highest honor recognizing individuals whose work has improved lives across communities.
Atienza said resilience and compassion are alive in the people of Manila, and that the stories of the awardees remind Filipinos to take part in building solutions for society.
“Resilience and compassion are alive in the people of Manila,” she said. “The stories of the Magsaysay awardees inspire us all to move forward with faith and purpose.”
The vice mayor also assured the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation of the city’s full support.