A NEW PRESIDENT FOR THE RAMON MAGSAYSAY
AWARD FOUNDATION

The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) has been going through difficult times, like everyone else, in this pandemic era. Soon after the untimely demise of the Foundation’s President, a consummate professional, Ms. Emily A. Abrera, agreed to hold the fort as Interim President while the rigorous and lengthy search for a new leader was going on,

With the search finally over, the Foundation is pleased to welcome Ms. Susan B. Afan, outgoing managing director of the ABS-CBN Foundation, as the new President. Chairman Jose L. Cuisia Jr. of the RMAF Board of Trustees remarked, “We are very confident that Ms. Afan will ably steer the RMAF during what is expected to still be very challenging times. She has a sound vision for the future of RMAF with a wealth of ideas on how to enrich its programs and activities.” Ms. Afan brings with her extensive management and marketing experience, as well as a wide network that equips her well for the fundraising and resource generation work.

She possesses competencies in consultative leadership and consensus building, and has led teams in her previous organizations in a collaborative and professional style that influences and inspires action.

Her career spanned thirty years of senior management responsibilities in the United States, working for a Fortune 500 global staffing firm. She transitioned back to the Philippines in 2014 to lead one of the largest non-profit institutions in the country, where she has ensured sustainability of projects, efficiency of services, and implementation of a strong donor management system.

Ms. Afan will be stepping down from ABS-CBN Foundation at the end of this year and will be formally joining RMAF on 1st January 2021. In accepting the appointment, she said, “I have long admired the 60 year legacy of the Ramon Magsaysay Awardees and the Foundation. I am honored and excited to join this inspiring organization.”

With her at the helm, the Foundation is looking forward to sustaining the tradition of honoring Asia’s most remarkable achievers, and continuing to be a font of hope and inspiration to peoples everywhere. The Ramon Magsaysay Award’s legacy of promoting Greatness of Spirit will live on.