The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) held the event “Celebrating Greatness of Spirit in Manila” last July 2 at the Ramon Magsaysay Center located at its headquarters in Malate, Manila, Philippines. Convened by Amb. Delia D. Albert, a returning Board of Trustee of RMAF, the event gathered over 20 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees and members of the diplomatic corps from various embassies, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
In a statement, Ambassador Delia Albert expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “It is an honor for the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation to celebrate with the Ramon Magsaysay Awardees present here in Manila, Philippines, and the diplomatic community, who represent the Ramon Magsaysay Awardees from their home countries. This event beautifully reflects our shared commitment to fostering transformative leadership across Asia and stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Ramon Magsaysay Award as a source of pride and hope.”
The event “Celebrating Greatness of Spirit in Manila” is part of a series of knowledge exchange in Asia called “Greatness of Spirit Dialogues and Book Tour.” The event engaged the attendees—mostly diplomats, business leaders, and heads of philanthropic organizations – to join RMAF’s mission by supporting its 65th-anniversary fundraising campaign, which aims to modernize the Ramon Magsaysay Center into a dynamic hub for dialogue and collaboration, amplifying the stories of the Magsaysay Laureates. RMAF further underscores its commitment to fostering transformative leadership across Asia and the world by developing the Magsaysay Laureate Library and Museum which is envisioned to be experiential and multi-generational.
As part of the event, RMAF showcased a seven-volume book series that features the stories of 348 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees titled “Greatness of Spirit: Stories of Love, Courage, and Service,” as one of the ways the audience can support the Foundation. Additionally, digital portraits originally published on the GOS book series were presented by RMAF President Susanna B. Afan together with former RMAF Chairmen Mr. Aurelio R. Montinola III and Mr. Senen C. Bacani, to the Ramon Magsaysay Awardees in attendance.
RMAF President Susanna B. Afan underscores the Foundation’s role in fostering collaboration among Magsaysay laureates, emphasizing, “This, ladies and gentlemen, is what we do. We spark fires. We help start new movements. We inspire, interconnect and ignite more action through the inspiring lives and transformative works of all 348 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees — This is the legacy we are protecting and preserving.”
The event also featured a video message from HE Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of the ASEAN Secretariat, who highlighted the significance of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, which ASEAN received in 1979. Dr. Hourn remarked, “The Ramon Magsaysay Award symbolizes the spirit of selfless service and leadership that is essential for the progress of our region. We are proud to be part of this legacy.”
The Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, gives a video message in “Celebration of Greatness of Spirit in Manila”
The presence and support of the diplomatic corps were vital to the event’s success, highlighting the Ramon Magsaysay Award’s significance as a beacon of hope and pride for their respective countries. Their involvement underscores the importance of collaboration and unity in advancing the Foundation’s mission.
A copy of the “Greatness of Spirit: Stories of Love, Courage, and Service
In celebration of the Ramon Magsaysay Award’s 65th anniversary, donors supporting RMAF’s goals shall receive a set of the GOS Book Series. We are also exploring partnerships for distribution. Interested parties may email greatnessofspiritbooks@rmaward.asia. Your support will positively impact countless lives for your involvement in this meaningful journey.