Sociologist Randy David is Fukuoka Prize 2019 grand winner

Filipino sociologist Randolf "Randy" David was hailed as the grand winner of the Fukuoka Prize 2019, according to the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines.

Since the establishment of the Fukuoka Prize in 1990, many Filipinos from various fields made it to the roster of the laureates but David was the first Filipino to bag the highest honor.

He was described by the Fukuoka Prize Committee as "a leading Asian public intellectual who played a dynamic part in achieving social justice in the Philippines by sharing his knowledge as a sociologist widely through university education, TV programs and newspaper columns."

David will receive the award in Fukuoka City in Japan this coming September.

Meanwhile, to receive the Fukuoka Academic Prize and Fukuoka Arts and Culture Prize, respectively, were Prof. Leonard Blussé, a historian from the Netherlands with expertise in Southeast Asian history; and Mr. Sato Makoto, a playwright and stage director in Japan.

This annual prize aims to foster the exchange of knowledge and best practices among the people of Asia by honoring the outstanding work of individuals, groups, and organizations that are geared towards preserving and celebrating the diverse cultures in the region.

Among the other Filipinos previously recognized in the Fukuoka Prize were architect Leandro Locsin, film director Marilou Diaz-Abaya, historian Reynaldo Ileto, filmmaker and artist Kidlat Tahimik, and public historian Dr. Ambeth Ocampo. —Dona Magsino/LDF, GMA News