Ramon Magsaysay Awardees for 2024 to be announced on August 31

The 66th Ramon Magsaysay Awards Festival (RMAF) Season is set to begin with the announcement of the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees on August 31, Saturday, incidentally the 117th birth anniversary of the seventh Philippine President.

In a statement, RMAF Chairperson Cheche L. Lazaro said "The 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees embody the same spirit of selfless service and transformative leadership, making significant contributions to their respective communities and the wider Asian region.”

This year’s key visual, the prayer flags, will also be featured prominently in the announcement. These symbolize peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom, and resonate with the work of the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees who serve as an inspiration to all.

For these reasons, the foundation emphasizes how a life of service transcends cultural and geographical barriers, nurturing a global spirit of unity and compassion.

RMAF President Susanna B. Afan added, “Prayer flags are more than just symbols, they carry our deepest hopes and aspirations, sending positive intentions into the world. Much like our Ramon Magsaysay Awardees spread their ideals across borders through their inspiring lives and selfless work.”

Afan said the blue, red, white, green, and yellow flag colors represent hope.

“In the same way, the lives and work of the Ramon Magsaysay Awardees, fueled by their unwavering dedication, bring hope and inspiration, contribute to the creation of a more inclusive world,” she said.

The 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees will be announced on a global livestream on its official Facebook page and YouTube channel at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.

The RMAF season will conclude on November 16 with the formal Presentation Ceremonies to be held in the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.

Last year, Filipina peace negotiator Miriam Colonel-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 Dodoy  Ballon as its laureates.

— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News