Hayao Miyazaki, doctors, educators, environmentalists among Ramon Magsaysay Awardees 2024

Hayao Miyazaki, a group of doctors, an educator, and an environmentalist are among the Ramon Magsaysay Awardees this 2024.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) announced the awardees through a pre-recorded video played at the Ramon Magsaysay Hall in Malate, Manila. It was held on Saturday, August 31, the 117th birth anniversary of the seventh Philippine President. The global announcement event marks the beginning of the 66th Ramon Magsaysay Awards Festival Season.

RMAF President Susan Afan told GMA News Online that the awards aim to continue a positive effect on individuals to challenge the status quo and live a life of service.

“The work that [previous awardees] have done before still resonates today, and it's still relevant in today's day and age. We're still talking about poverty alleviation, education, gender issues, you know. The environment, peace, and justice,” she said.

“You know, you can get inspired by the work of the Magsaysay Awardees, and then when you come here, you get interconnected with like-minded people. And then you ignite new opportunities for you to further the work, to deepen the work, to make it more impactful,” she added.

The five Ramon Magsaysay Awardees for 2024

Hayao Miyazaki from Japan is 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 the imagination, to whom he has passed the light and spark of his own.

The Studio Ghibli founder and Academy Award-winning filmmaker is also noted for how his films create a positive influence on families and children, with their messages of anti-war and community.

Karma Phuntsho, a thought leader from Bhutan, is being recognized for his invaluable and enduring contributions towards 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 be confident in their future.

Beyond his 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. He is the first Ramon Magsaysay Awardee from Bhutan.

The Rural Doctors Movement, a group from Thailand, is honored 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. By championing the rural poor, the movement makes sure to leave no one behind as the nation moves forward to greater economic prosperity and modernization.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong, a doctor from Vietnam, is recognized for her spirit of public service and the message of hope she continues to propagate among her people. At the same time, 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. She 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 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership is given to Farwiza Farhan from Indonesia. Thirty-eight year-old Farhan is honored 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.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award for Emergent Leadership is bestowed on individuals who are 40 years old and under, or on organizations with less than 10 years of existence. It specifically honors individuals and organizations doing outstanding work on issues of social change in their community, but whose leadership may not yet be broadly recognized outside of this community.

"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. 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,” RMAF Chairperson Cheche Lazaro said in a statement.

“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.

The Ramon Magsaysay Awardees will each receive a medallion bearing the likeness of the late President, a certificate inscribed with their citation, and a cash prize. The Ramon Magsaysay Award will be formally bestowed upon the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees at the 66th Ramon Magsaysay Awards Presentation Ceremonies on 16 November, Saturday, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.

First given in 1958, the Ramon Magsaysay Award celebrates the greatness of spirit and transformative leadership of the Philippine President.

The award is given every year to men, women, and organizations working in Asia who manifest the same selfless service and transformative leadership that embody the life of the late and beloved Filipino leader.

Last year, Filipina peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, who championed women's participation and inclusivity in peace-building, was among the awardees.

The Ramon Magsaysay Awards is considered Asia’s premier prize and highest honor. Launched in 1957, it counts the likes of Mother Teresa, Corazon Aquino, Ryan Cayabyab, F. Sionil Jose, and Ka Dodoy Ballon as its laureates. —JCB, GMA Integrated News