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 Howard Dee, 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee from the Philippines. Howard Dee passed away on August 21 at the age of 94. His passing marks the end of a life dedicated to serving others, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to resonate with all those touched by his work.
Dee received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018 for “his quietly heroic half-century of service to the Filipino people, his abiding dedication to the pursuit of social justice and peace in achieving dignity and progress for the poor, and his being, by his deeds, a true servant of his faith and an exemplary citizen of his nation.”
Howard Dee received the medallion during the Ramon Magsaysay Awards Presentation Ceremonies held August 31, 2018. Handing the Ramon Magsaysay Award to him is Ma. Leonor Robredo, Vice President of the Philippines (center), and Senen C. Bacani, Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation Chairman (right).
As co-founder of the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF), Dee focused on addressing the needs of the poor through education, health, and livelihood programs, while also playing a pivotal role in peace processes. His work as Presidential Adviser on Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and his involvement in peace negotiations reflected his unwavering commitment to dialogue and reconciliation, believing in the power of listening and collaboration to achieve sustainable peace.
Howard Dee embodied the values of the Ramon Magsaysay Award—integrity, selfless service, and transformative leadership. A respected humanitarian and peacemaker, he lived with humility and purpose, leaving a lasting impact on Philippine society. His work towards the betterment of the marginalized will be remembered always.