RM Award ceremony highlights

MANILA, Philippines – Six outstanding individuals were formally honored on Friday, August 31, with the Ramon Magsaysay Award, considered the Nobel Prize of Asia.

After a tribute to late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, the medals and certificates were presented by President Benigno Aquino III and Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation chairman Maria Cynthia Rose Bautista at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Robredo himself received the award in 2000.

These are some of the highlights from the speeches of the awardees:

Chen Shu-Chu (Taiwan)

I know that I am receiving this award today because of the donations that I make, yet I have never considered myself a great person. I am just an ordinary person, a humble vegetable vendor.

To be willing to help can make a difference, no matter how little we can give, and everyone has something to offer. What makes a difference is putting it into action.

Romulo Davide (Philippines)

Let’s hope that the principles and ideas of President Magsaysay guide us to continue this noble path with vigor and strength.

We hope that in the future more farmers will improve their living conditions and be able to produce more food for all of us Filipinos.

Kulandei Francis (India)

The road which I passed through was not one of roses, it was full of thorns, it was not easy for me to realize my dreams.

If you give people opportunities, you can multiply their output, so please lend the poor a helping hand.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan (Bangladesh)

This is a recognition for all movements around the world in support of the environment.

Due to the mighty invested powers in the game, the road is cumbersome, but we live with hope, and in the face of adversity gather strength from the force of truth, and truth only.

Yang Saing Koma (Cambodia)

We are proud to have contributed to reduce the dependency and vicious cycle of poverty among farmers in Cambodia.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award is not only a recognition of past achievements, it is an encouragement for me and my colleagues to reinforce our assistance to small farmers.

Ambrosius Ruwindrijarto (Indonesia)

We are living in a world where our forests and the indigenous peoples that live in them are under threat of destruction.

With this award we are telling the indigenous people that in the fight for their rights, they are not alone. – Rappler.com