Cover 2023 Ramon Magsaysay awardee Miriam Coronel-Ferrer with a woman from Mindanao, Philippines (Photo: Ramon Magsaysay Foundation)
2023 Ramon Magsaysay awardee Miriam Coronel-Ferrer with a woman from Mindanao, Philippines (Photo: Ramon Magsaysay Foundation)
1 / 1
These 4 individuals were awarded Asia’s premier prize and highest honour for their efforts in battling inequality, championing voices and creating a sustainable future
Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) annually selects outstanding individuals across Asia to receive the highest honour, equivalent to the Nobel Peace Prize. Having proven their commitment to social change, they are recognised for their efforts in creating impactful solutions to the most challenging problems facing the world today.
Pro-democracy activist and negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer represents the Philippines in the 65th Ramon Magsaysay Awards roster. She was hailed for her pioneering work in championing the participation of women in peace-building. Other notable recipients are Indian oncologist Ravi Kannan R, East Timorese environmentalist Eugenio Lemos, and Bangladeshi social entrepreneur Korvi Rakshand.
In case you missed it: Meet the climate tech entrepreneurs who are helping to create a more sustainable world
1. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Philippines
Above Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Philippines
Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Philippines
1 / 1
Miriam Coronel-Ferrer’s engagement in political issues began in the 1970s as a student at the University of the Philippines. This inspired her to pursue a life of public service and seek ways to end the need for armed conflict in the Philippines. In 2014, on behalf of the government, she became the first woman in the world to successfully finalise a peace accord with a rebel group.
She remarks: “There is no perfect agreement, but we make it more imperfect by leaving women out of the process.”
Women are often excluded from peacemaking negotiations despite being some of the most affected individuals in the crossfires of war. Coronel-Ferrer calls for more women to join her efforts in nurturing a fair and nonviolent world.
“Peace is still possible: that is one key message. You don’t have to be a negotiator. Where you are right now is where you start building peace—in yourself, your family, and your community. We need to stay connected so these segmented efforts can become a movement.”
2. Eugenio Lemos, Timor-Leste
Above Eugenio Lemos, Timor Leste
Eugenio Lemos, Timor Leste
1 / 1
Bearing witness to the effects of war on the environment, particularly on food security, Eugenio Lemos sought to address these issues through what is considered to be one of the most simple and timeless solutions: community-based organic farming. Through grassroots initiatives and the incorporation of indigenous cultures in agricultural innovations, Lemos is paving the way for the emergence of more sustainable food practices.
In 1999, Lemos was introduced to permaculture, a self-sufficient structure in managing the growth of agricultural ecosystems, a practice he still encourages to this day. He founded Permakultura Timor-Lorosa’e (Permatil) in 2001, which includes a training program for young adults to educate them in holistic sustainability practices.
Lemos is also an established singer-songwriter who utilises music to advance his message. His songs have become popular in classroom learning, promoting a unique way of educating environment among the young.
He also emphasises the vitality of incorporating indigenous practices in agricultural techniques. For Lemos, ancient knowledge is fundamental to the survival of the modern world.
3. Korvi Rakshand, Bangladesh
Above Korvi Rakshand, Bangladesh
Korvi Rakshand, Bangladesh
1 / 1
As a young child, Korvi Rakshand was motivated to pursue a life of education advocacy, inspired by the efforts of his parents, a school principal and a politician. Though born into a life of privilege, Rakshand is dedicated to providing access to a quality learning experience for children from all walks of life.
In 2007, he established the JAAGO Foundation (taken from the Bengali word for “wake up”), a non-profit with a mission to democratise children’s education.
Rakshand encourages the youth to partake in social justice initiatives. He notices that though young activists may be good-intentioned, they can also be disconnected. On social activism, Rakshand encourages the youth to find their passion but to keep an open mind and be open to criticism. They shouldn’t simply follow trends but “use their keyboards” effectively for the greater good.
More from Tatler: Now or never: Dr Yasmin Rasyid wants to inspire the youth to act on the climate crisis
4. Ravi Kannan R, India
Above Ravi Kannan R, India
Ravi Kannan R, India
1 / 1
Surgical oncologist Dr Ravi Kannan R became the director of the Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (CCHRC) in 2007, expanding it from a small institution with limited facilities into a full-fledged research centre with 28 departments and a staff of 451 people.
Dr Kannan takes an egalitarian approach to cancer, a disease known for its costly treatment and high risk. His pro-poor initiative ensures that no patient is denied appropriate resources.
“Any organisation has to deliver on its vision and mission—from the doorman to the director. Everyone must have the same goal and the same thought process.”
NOW READ
Diasporic artists Wawi Navarroza and Xyza Cruz Bacani talk about Filipino identity
Efficiency in all aspects of operations is the key to success, says Kevin L Tan
Credits
Images: Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation (RMAF)
About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
