Philippine Embassy, RMAF honor Korean Ramon Magsaysay laureates in Seoul

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega gives an opening speech during the Magsaysay Laureate Reunion and Legacy Exchange event in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in partnership with the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) in Manila, co-hosted a special gathering honoring Korean recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize, in Seoul Tuesday.

Held in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Korea, the event brought together distinguished laureates, diplomats and advocates of public service to reflect on the values of courage, leadership and integrity.

The Magsaysay Laureate Reunion and Legacy Exchange showcased keynote speeches, a photo exhibition of past honorees and an open forum celebrating the award’s enduring legacy. Since its inception in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Award has recognized 353 individuals and organizations from 22 countries across Asia — including 20 distinguished recipients from Korea.

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega opened the event by honoring the contributions of Korean awardees and reaffirming the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.

“This gathering, held in the season of spring here in Seoul, is not only a celebration of past achievements, but a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of principled leadership and selfless service,” she said. “It is but fitting that as we close the 75th year of relations between the Philippines and Korea, we are working hand in hand with the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation in forging forward-oriented initiatives.”

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega emphasized the shared values that have connected both nations since their alliance during the 1950-53 Korean War, and thanked the laureates and RMAF team for being “beacons of hope.”

The highlight of the afternoon was a moving speech by RMAF Trustee and former Philippine Foreign Secretary Delia D. Albert, who described the gathering as a meaningful “homecoming” and a celebration of ideals that transcend borders.

“I’m especially honored and privileged to be with you today as we bring the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation’s Greatness of Spirit gathering to Korea,” Albert said. “This moment is deeply meaningful, not only because it marks the 75th anniversary of the friendship between the Philippines and Korea, but because we are in the company of individuals and organizations whose work has helped shape the nation for the better.”

RMAF Trustee and former Philippine Foreign Secretary Delia D. Albert gives a speech during the Magsaysay Laureate Reunion and Legacy Exchange event in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

Albert reflected on the origins of the award, established in the aftermath of World War II to honor leaders who stood for integrity, humility and public service — principles embodied by Ramon Magsaysay, president of the Philippines from 1953 until his death in a plane crash in 1957.

“He was not a statesman in the traditional mold, but a leader who walked with the people — firm in principle, tireless in action and deeply committed to the welfare of the common man,” she said.

Albert noted that since its founding, the award has recognized 353 laureates — including 20 women — whose transformative work has left a lasting impact across Asia. In Korea, recipients have advanced causes ranging from mental health and education to peacebuilding and social reform.

“This reunion is a space where the past, the present and the future converge — a moment to reconnect, reflect and reaffirm a shared purpose,” Albert said. “Their work has left an indelible mark on society, proving that true leadership lies in service to others.”

She paid tribute to the families and organizations who continue to carry forward the mission of change, calling them “torchbearers of a legacy that inspires and guides us all.”

“To you, our Ramon Magsaysay awardees, your organizations and your families — you are writing a story that does not end,” she said. “It is a story we continue to write together.”

The Seoul event added a new chapter to a series of Greatness of Spirit gatherings previously held in Lahore, Karachi, Manila, Dharmashala and Delhi, reaffirming the award’s mission to inspire change and foster unity through the power of service.