Ramon Magsaysay award 2023

The Metropolitan Theater in Manila, Philippines, was illuminated with brilliance and adorned with the spirit of achievement on November 11, 2023, as the 65th Ramon Magsaysay Awards Presentation Ceremonies unfolded in grandeur. The four recipients of Asia’s premier prize and highest honour, namely Korvi Rakshand from Bangladesh, Miriam Coronel-Ferrer from the Philippines, Eugenio Lemos from Timor-Leste and Ravi Kannan R. from India, formally received their Award in person.

"They are the visionaries and pioneers who carry the torch in humanity's nature. They are the innovators who light up new paths that lead to our progress. They are the public servants, the activists, and the humanitarians who gather precious kindling and light the spark for peace and social justice," said Aurelio Luis Montinola III.

“We are all created unequal. Providing and ensuring inclusive healthcare is a social responsibility, not a favour or kindness to be bestowed on anyone,” said Dr. Ravi Kannan

“I am referring to the growing movement of women who believe in their power to be involved and become agents of change. It had not been easy for many women to say, with confidence, “I have the power!”, said Coronel-Ferrer

“Behind the ideology, there are real issues. There are real issues about land, resources, unequal power distribution, and injustice," said Miriam Coronel-Ferrer.

Dr. Kannan exhibited compassion for the impoverished, sick, and oppressed in India and around the world, where many people are required to help.

Ego, 51, a singer-songwriter and activist, uses permaculture to promote "a whole way of looking at nature and people."

Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, one of four 2023 Ramon Magsaysay Awards, helped Occidental Mindoro, southwest of the capital, develop a peace pact after the 2003 Mangyan family killing.

“She is the first woman to sign a major peace agreement as a chief negotiator, embodying the essence of UNSCR 1325. She was one of the three women in the Philippines who initiated the adoption of the first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security that called for women’s leadership in peace and security decisions,” said Jasmin Nation-Galace.