They address real and complex issues, take bold and innovative actions that engage others. They create outcomes that the ordinary individual can feel. They show unbelievable courage, initiative when faced with resource gaps, fight daunting adversity and strong opposition.

This was how Vice President Leni Robredo described on Thursday night this year’s six winners of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards, considered the Asian version of the Nobel Peace Prize-at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay City.

For someone who has spent four decades trying to help rebuild the war-scarred lives of women and children in Sri Lanka, Gethsie Shanmugam still believes in young people, who, she thinks, will create a world far better than what she has seen.

Vice President of the Philippines Maria Leonor Robredo, trustees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, distinguished guests, members of the Magsaysay family, fellow awardees, ladies and gentlemen.

The Ramon Magsaysay Award affirms the spirit of humanity that endures even under the most difficult of circumstances. My work with children and adults living with war, disaster, and other hardships has shown me that even in the context of terrible violence, loss and suffering, there is always the possibility of growth, caring, and hope. Life cannot only continue despite pain and hardships, but can take on new meaning and purpose.

“I believe the president should set up the example of a good heart, an honest mind, sound instincts, the virtue of healthy impatience, and an abiding love for the common man. Guns alone are not the answer. We must provide hope for young people for better housing, clothing, and food. If we do, the radicals will wither away.” The words of the late president Ramon Magsaysay Sr. echoed throughout the Cultural Center of the Philippines on Thursday as awardee Lilia de Lima quoted him in her acceptance speech.

Five individuals and an organization from Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore and Sri Lanka received on Thursday the prestigious 2017 Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

Winners of the 2017 Ramon Magsaysay Award pose for a picture after a briefing inside the Ramon Magsaysay headquarters in Manila, Tuesday. Abdon Nababan of Indonesia (left to right), Tony Tay of Singapore, Gethsie Shanmugam of Sri Lanka, Lilia De Lima of Philippines, Yoshiaki Ishizawa of Japan and Cecilia Garrucho, representing the winner Philippine Education Theater Association (PETA).

Winners of the 2017 Ramon Magsaysay Award pose for a picture after a briefing inside the Ramon Magsaysay headquarters in Manila on Tuesday, August 29, 2017. They are (L-R) Abdon Nababan of Indonesia, Tony Tay of Singapore, Gethsie Shanmugam of Sri Lanka, Lilia De Lima of the Philippines, Yoshiaki Ishizawa of Japan and Cecilia Garrucho, representing the winner Philippine Education Theater Association (PETA).

05 August 2017, Manila – Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano met Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasantha Senanayake on Saturday 05 August 2017 and discussed improving trade, tourism and labor cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, Secretary Cayetano expressed his appreciation for Sri Lanka’s support for the Philippine government’s fight against terrorism. The State Minister offered to share Sri Lanka’s counterterrorism experience, as well as their experience in the reconciliation process.