Nearly ten years ago, Dr. CHIANG MON-LIN was chosen to be the Chairman of a new government entity, created to formulate and carry out a program of rural reconstruction in China. To this end, he and his colleagues in the Chinese and American Joint Commission on Rural Reconstruction evolved a "formula" that has been notably successful.
On Taiwan, evidences of the JCRR's catalytic influence may readily he observed in increased and improved agricultural production. Equally important, the JCRR has helped to insure social justice through effective land reform and through organization of farmers to process and market their produce, to maintain their own health clinics, their irrigation canals and otherwise to enrich rural life.
Though the accomplishments of the JCRR are the work of more than one man or a few men, Dr. CHIANG, as its Chairman, has provided a balance that has been vital to its success. Formerly one of his country's leading educators, he brought to government service a broad, humanitarian view that has contributed toward an unusual tolerance and flexibility and yet a high degree of selectivity in the organization he has led.
Like Ramon Magsaysay, he has set for his associates a high standard of government service. His yardstick for personal effort has been achievement of goals for the public good rather than reward.
In naming CHIANG MON-LIN to receive the first Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, the Board of Trustees recognizes his distinguished leadership of the Chinese and American Commission that has been largely instrumental in bringing about significant improvements in the rural life of his countrymen.