The Board of Trustees, Officers, and Staff of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and relatives of Fr. Eduardo Jorge Anzorena, 1994 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee. Fr. Anzorena passed away on February 22 at the age of 94 in Tokyo, Japan.
Fr. Anzorena was a dedicated advocate for the urban poor, empowering marginalized communities through innovative housing solutions and grassroots development initiatives.
As a Jesuit priest and architect, Fr. Anzorena understood that housing was more than just shelter—it was a foundation for dignity and self-reliance. Through his work with the Asian Coalition for Housing Rights and partnerships across Asia, provided technical expertise, financial support, and a vision for self-reliant, community-driven housing solutions. His advocacy extended to supporting slum dwellers, fostering collaborations between governments, NGOs, and local communities to create sustainable urban settlements.
Fr. Eduardo Jorge Anzorena SJ received the medallion during the Ramon Magsaysay Awards Presentation Ceremonies held August 31, 1994. Handing the Ramon Magsaysay Award to him is Fidel V. Ramon (center), Philippine President, and Deogracias N. Vistan (right), Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation Chairman.
In 1994, Fr. Eduardo Jorge Anzorena received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for International Understanding “for his fostering a collaborative search for humane and practical solutions to the housing crisis among Asia’s urban poor.”
Even in his later years, Fr. Anzorena remained a tireless advocate for housing rights and social justice. His work continued to influence policies and initiatives, and his influence extended far beyond Asia, inspiring similar movements worldwide and reinforcing the importance of participatory urban planning. His legacy lives on in the countless communities he empowered, a testament to his belief that every person deserves a dignified place to call home.