The 61st Ramon Magsaysay Awards was held last September 9, Monday, in the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the Cultural Center of the Philippines to recognize the exemplary achievements of figures from all over Asia who have selflessly devoted themselves to better their home countries.
Board of Trustees Chair Jose Cuisia Jr. branded the Award as “Asia’s premier prize” in honoring the greatness of spirit and the selfless service of individuals and organizations, exemplifying the values held by the late President Ramon Magsaysay.
“The good news of Asia needs to be celebrated and widely heard,” Cuisia encouraged, reflecting on the turbulence of social currents.
Greatness of spirit
Added to the diverse list of awardees were Korean anti-bullying activist Kim Jong-ki, Burmese journalist Ko Swe Win, Indian television anchor Ravish Kumar, Thai human rights activist Angkhana Neelapaijit, and Filipino music icon Ryan Cayabyab.
Kim’s work in fighting school-based violence began after his son committed suicide due to bullying, establishing the Foundation for Preventing Youth Violence (FPYV). Despite political hurdles, Kim’s initiative paid off as FPYV’s efforts were recognized by various organizations. “There were many times that I wanted to give up, [but] this was my promise to my son,” Kim narrated.
Swe Win, a journalist in Myanmar, also faced tremendous challenges in his native land. He explained that Myanmar’s government remains under the influence of old military junta members, and it is a country where decades of religious conflict and Buddhist ultranationalism have scarred its people. Despite the ordeals, Swe Win remains devoted to journalism through the online news site Myanmar Now.
“Journalism plays a crucial role—the kind of journalism that seeks the truth [and] that protects the rights of human beings,” he asserted.
For selfless service
Kumar, who currently serves as the managing editor of the New Delhi Television Network, was honored for deviating from the wave of rampant nationalism in India. Having worked with the media network since 1996, Kumar became known for incisive content that challenged political leaders to address national issues. Despite death threats made against him and his family, he continues to work to underline economic and ethnic struggles in India.
Despite the state of journalism in India, Kumar expressed his continued hope that journalists would strive for truthful content in the age of fake news, “Not all battles are fought for victory; some are fought simply to tell the world that someone was there on the battlefield.”
Neelapaijit, a member of Thailand’s minority Muslim community, found herself leading the call for human rights after her husband, human rights lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit, became the victim of a forced disappearance amid civil strife in the predominantly Buddhist country. Through her work, she came to found the human rights network Justice for Peace Foundation, and eventually became Thailand’s Human Rights Commissioner.
“Every one of us can make a difference in standing up for what is right and just,” she declared.
Cayabyab was the final awardee. Declared National Artist for Music last year, he shared that singers not only expressed feelings and thoughts but also socio-political realities in songs, a “language that transcends time and barriers”. Cayabyab declared his firm belief in creating a generation of musicians that are better than the present generation to advance the field. “There really are no trade secrets [in music], but if there were, I would divulge them anyway,” he told the audience.
He labeled Original Pilipino Music as a “living tradition” and a “binding glue” that unites Filipino communities online.
A total of 335 individuals across Asia have received the prestigious award, with categories ranging from Government Service and Public Service; Community Leadership; Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts; Peace and International Understanding; and Emergent Leadership.
