Five Visionaries honoured with the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2024

Philippines, November 19, 2024: The five awardees received Asia’s premier leadership award during a formal presentation ceremony in Manila, Philippines on November 16. Four remarkable individuals and one transformative movement have been named this year’s laureates of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s premier recognition for leadership and humanitarian service.

The honourees were celebrated during a formal presentation ceremony on November 16 in Manila, Philippines, marking the award’s 66th year of honoring those who tackle the world’s most pressing development challenges with courage and innovation.

Indonesian conservationist Farwiza Farhan was recognized for her extraordinary efforts to protect fragile ecosystems and empower local communities through her organization, HAkA.

Her work focuses on safeguarding Indonesia's Aceh forest while amplifying grassroots voices in environmental advocacy.

In her acceptance speech, Farhan candidly spoke about the challenges she faces, including recent intimidation related to the release of her documentary film 17 Sweet Letters, which highlights the conservation of Indonesian wilderness.

“It takes more than brute force to slow down a bunch of stubborn fighters like us,” she declared, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to the cause.

From Bhutan, thought leader and scholar Karma Phuntsho became the first Bhutanese laureate in over six decades.

He was honored for his efforts to bridge tradition and modernity by digitalizing cultural heritage and advocating for ethical business practices.

“Our ancient wisdom traditions have as much to offer us today as they did in the past,” Phuntsho noted in his acceptance speech. “Looking back can help us find a new and better way forward.”

Thailand’s Rural Doctors Movement, the lone organizational awardee, was commended for championing healthcare equity and advocating for policy reforms that benefit underserved rural areas.

Representing the movement, Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit reaffirmed their commitment to universal health coverage.

“We believe that this general health coverage is crucial, and we would like to see every country make stark efforts to achieve universal health coverage in the near future,” Dr. Supat said.

Legendary animator Miyazaki Hayao, co-founder of Studio Ghibli in Japan, was celebrated for his lifelong contributions to animation and storytelling that transcend cultural boundaries.

Although Miyazaki could not attend the ceremony, he was represented by fellow animator Yoda Kenichi, who read his acceptance letter. In it, Miyazaki reflected on his childhood memories of learning about the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

“Being honored with this award made me think of the Philippines once again,” Miyazaki wrote, expressing his gratitude for the recognition.

Vietnamese physician Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, a Vietnam War veteran, was honored for her decades-long fight to uncover the truth about Agent Orange and to seek justice and rehabilitation for its victims.

In her speech, Nguyen emphasized the broader impact of her mission: “We hope that through our efforts, the quality of life of the millions of victims will improve, and their physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds will heal so that we, as a country, can heal.”

With this year’s addition of five awardees, the Ramon Magsaysay Award has now recognized 353 laureates since its inception in 1957.

Courtesy: RVA News