September 30, 2009
Let me congratulate this year's recipients of the distinguished Ramon Magsaysay Awards. It is always a privilege to be part of Asia's version of the Nobel Prize, having been invited to introduce our esteemed awardees for the third time since 2007. Today we honor six leaders whose works embody the supreme act of service. Studying the stories of our awardees, I have found that they all share the six secrets of leadership. Click here to download the full speech
These days, there is much ambivalence about heroes. On the one hand, it seems that the magnitude and intractability of the challenges confronting Asian societies demand nothing less than solutions of heroic proportions, and abilities that one associates only with mythical, larger-than-life heroes. New frontiers in technology, emerging opportunities to create and distribute wealth, complex and knotted issues of social conflict—all these require actions both daring and altruistic. Now, more than ever, we need our heroes, we need their bold and heroic deeds. In the midst of this ambivalence, we in the Foundation assert our faith that the world can be fixed, and wrongs are being righted--one hero at a time. The inspiring accomplishments and expanding influence of the Magsaysay laureates--now numbering 277 individuals and organizations spread over twenty-two countries across Asia--are the basis of our faith. The support you and others give to their work and their noble crusades reinforces this faith. And your presence in this afternoon’s celebration is testament to your own belief that there is both a need for heroes, and value in celebrating the good that they do. Click here to download the full speech
August 27, 2009
THE ASIA FORUM brought together fifty Ramon Magsaysay laureates and over 200 Asian leaders and visionaries from different sectors, coming from over 20 countries across Asia. The conference dialogues focused on forging partnerships and building sustainability towards addressing transboundary issues of poverty, environment and social conflict. Thirty-eight partnership agreements and pledges were a major output of THE ASIA FORUM. Another important outcome of THE ASIA FORUM is the Manifesto on Climate Change Action, to which the Magsaysay Laureates have committed their full support.
August 03, 2009
Ramon Magsaysay (1907-1957) was the third president of the Republic of the Philippines after World War II. His life had great impact not only on his own country but on many people in many lands. Ramon Magsaysay commanded the admiration, respect, and affection of people because he was a simple and humble man; because he cared for all people as individuals and believed in their dignity and importance; and because he had the courage of his convictions. His objective was to improve the lot of his fellow Filipinos and he approached this task with selfless devotion. He was convinced that government, to last and to be sound, must have integrity and reflect the will of the people.
Collectively, the Magsaysay Awardees' stories paint a portrait of remarkable change and achievement in areas as diverse as rural and urban development, poverty alleviation, public health, the environment, governance, education, business, human rights, culture, and the arts. In continuing to recognize individuals and organizations that address these issues with extraordinary vigor, integrity, and selflessness, the RMAF seeks to honor the legacy of President Ramon Magsaysay and to place living examples of inspiring leadership and service before the public. From them, present and future generations may draw courage, challenge, and hope.