A spirit lives on

Monica Melchor

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The spirit of the bayani lives deep inside all of us. Our country has progressed not on the abundance of its natural resources, but on the strength of its heroes.

MANILA, Philippines – The headlines have been awash with stories of heroism in recent weeks. From the spirit of bayanihan that pervaded relief operations during the monsoon rains that ravaged Metro Manila to the tributes to the memory of Ninoy Aquino and the undying legacy of the recently deceased Jesse Robredo, story after story centered on Filipino courage and bravery.

This past week, Ramon Magsaysay Foundation honored 6 such heroic individuals who, in their own respective fields, have made an immense impact on the lives of countless others. These 6 awardees hail from all over the continent and have exemplified transformative leadership, striving throughout their careers to work for the betterment of humanity. They are living testaments of the ideals and tenets Ramon Magsaysay himself engendered, serving as sources of inspiration of future generations.

The Magsaysay Award honors “greatness of spirit in selfless service to the peoples of Asia.” Romulo Davide is one of 43 individuals to have been rewarded for courageous service to our country since the awards were first conducted over 50 years ago. He is, in the words of Dr Ma. Cynthia Bautista, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, a “staunch advocate of science for human development.” He is committed to the belief that science should be a public service institution.

FILIPINO FARMER-SCIENTIST. Agricultural scientist Romulo Davide is among the 6 recipients of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award

He has led a life for others, harnessing technological innovations and scientific discoveries to contribute to the socioeconomic progress of farmers in need. With an almost single-minded purpose and dedication, he has worked tirelessly to cultivate the necessary technology to free farmers from the bondage of hunger.

His quest for the empowerment of farmers is tied to his belief that “there is no barren soil, only barren minds,” wisdom imparted to him from his father. To fully develop the capabilities of his farmers, he has developed a program of values formation, research exposure, and technical empowerment.

More than anything, Davide’s teachings have inculcated in me a sense of permanent wonder with the world. His lecture has taught me that everyone can be a scientist.

The very essence of being a scientist, from Davide’s perspective, is holding an unswerving commitment to the truth and holding fast to the belief that wonderful things can happen if one only works hard enough. Davide’s words are full of promise and potential, of an undying belief in progress.

In working to explore the science behind agriculture, he has reaped rewards much greater than fruitful harvests. He has planted the seeds of innovation and progress in communities very much in need of his help. He has succeeded in improving so much more than the income of the farmers who have received his training. He has improved their very quality of life, as well as their outlook upon the world.

Bautista has said that Davide’s experience has taught her that “Science is not just cause and effect, but rather, it includes complex, systemic thinking. Science is not just for the lab – it’s for communities.”

WITH STUDENTS. RM awardee Romulo Davide inspires youthful students.

In working for the more than 20 million Filipinos dependent on corn crops, Davide’s actions created waves of change. His scientific findings did not simply advance his own career, they had a tremendous impact on many of the most marginalized in society, the 40% of the labor force employed in agriculture.

His dedication and his profound care for society have done much to address the very real problem of food security. He has achieved so much and with such integrity and humility, and with a genuine concern for promoting human dignity.

In the speeches of praise and kind encouragement that followed Romulo Davide’s lecture, his lifelong friends and fellow members of the Upsilon Sigma Phi fraternity lauded his compassion, his devotion and generous nature.

They did not speak of the greatness of Davide as a scientist, or his many achievements in the field of agriculture. They spoke of his heart.

Indeed, at the end of the day, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is not a recognition of achievement, but of character. As Bautista explained, “Greatness of spirit is not just for heroes, it’s for ordinary people who are not afraid to do good.”

The spirit of the bayani lives deep inside all of us. Our country has progressed not on the abundance of its natural resources, but on the strength of its heroes. – Rappler.com

 

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