A simple fisher from Zambonga Sibugay in Mindanao was named as one of the recipients of the 2021 Ramon Magsaysay Awards (RMA) on August 31.
Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon received Asia’s most prestigious award for leading in the conservation of natural resources in their area situated in the Sibuguey Bay.
The RMA was established in honor of the late former president Ramon Magsaysay. Considered as Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize, the award is being given to individuals and groups who have impacted the Asian region and the world.
With Ka Dodoy’s dedication and genuine care for his fellow fisherfolk and the environment, he helped save the main source of their livelihood by spearheading the planting of mangroves in their area.
Rappler’s Jairo Bolledo sits down with Ka Dodoy to know what inspired him to help change the lives of his fellow fisherfolk and lead in the conservation of the environment in their small village. – Rappler.com
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