Unity in Service: Rotary Club of Manila Hosts Inspiring Address by Ramon Magsaysay Foundation President

ON Thursday, November 7, 2024, members of the Rotary Club of Manila gathered at the Manila Polo Club for their 14th Weekly Membership Meeting, marking another significant day in Rotary Year 2024-2025. The luncheon event brought together members and guests, celebrating camaraderie, milestones, and service ideals. A strong lineup of speakers, led by President Jujut Enriquez and overseen by Program Moderator President-Elect Raoul Creencia, underscored the values of Rotary and set the stage for a memorable afternoon. But it was the guest speaker, Ms. Susan Bautista-Afan, President and CEO of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, who captivated the audience with her compelling narrative about the Foundation's transformative work across Asia.

Opening Ceremonies and Acknowledgments

The program commenced at 12:00 PM with registration, followed by an inspiring invocation by Rotarian Ray Davis. The Manila Polo Club came alive as the World Famous Music Chorale performed the Philippine National Anthem and the Rotary Club of Manila Hymn. The iconic Four-Way Test was led by Past Director Oscar Del Rosario, and the meeting recognized the special birthdays of Rotarians Steve Chien and Past Director Beda Fajardo with a heartwarming rendition of “Maligayang Bati” by the Chorale.

President Jujut Enriquez then took to the podium, sharing updates and reflections on recent Rotary activities. His remarks further emphasized Rotary’s commitment to service and excellence, before giving way to the highlight of the afternoon — the introduction of the guest speaker. Rotarian Paco Magsaysay introduced the guest of honor and speaker, Ms. Susan Bautista-Afan.

Guest Speaker Spotlight: Ms. Susan Bautista-Afan, Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation

Rotarian Paco Magsaysay introduced Ms. Bautista-Afan, sharing insights into her impactful career and dedication to honoring individuals with a strong “greatness of spirit.” As Ms. Bautista-Afan took the stage, she brought with her stories of Ramon Magsaysay Award laureates who have shown extraordinary courage and resilience in advancing peace, social justice, and sustainable progress across Asia.

Ms. Bautista-Afan began by expressing her fascination with the Rotary Club of Manila’s long history, as the oldest all-male Rotary club in the Philippines. She highlighted the shared values between Rotary and the Magsaysay Foundation, noting a common commitment to promoting peace, education, and better livelihoods — a promising foundation for future collaboration.

Highlights of Notable Awardees

Ms. Bautista-Afan went on to profile some of the Foundation’s remarkable honorees, including the legendary Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who humbly responded to the Foundation’s request for her curriculum vitae with, “Dear Madam, I have no curriculum vitae. May God bless you.” The Dalai Lama, honored in 1958, was another example of an awardee embodying resilience and spiritual leadership.

“The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation is dedicated to honoring individuals who go beyond the call of duty, not just with technical solutions, but with deep-seated empathy and a commitment to community,” she remarked. With 352 awardees from 23 Asian countries, the Foundation has spotlighted leaders who possess both practical skills and a selfless devotion to others.

In an engaging PowerPoint presentation, Ms. Bautista-Afan detailed the unique criteria for the Ramon Magsaysay Award, which emphasizes a heart-driven approach to problem-solving. “Unlike other awards, we do not allow self-nominations. The Magsaysay laureates are chosen for their dedication to the greater good, often sacrificing personal gain for the welfare of their communities,” she explained.

This year’s awardees include prominent figures from diverse fields:

Sonam Wangmo from Bhutan: Founder of the Loden Foundation, Wangmo empowers Bhutanese youth to pursue modern careers while preserving cultural values.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong from Vietnam: A physician and advocate for victims of Agent Orange, Dr. Phuong is committed to raising awareness about the multi-generational impacts of chemical warfare.

Thailand’s Rural Doctors Movement: Spearheaded by doctors who have established universal healthcare in Thailand, this group demonstrates the potential of grassroots healthcare reforms. Ms. Bautista-Afan noted, “Their system has surpassed even that of the United States, a true testament to community-driven healthcare.”

Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli: While initially reluctant to accept further recognition, Miyazaki was convinced by the Foundation’s mission to recognize not only technical achievements but also his films’ powerful message of environmental stewardship and social consciousness.

Farwiza Farhan, environmental activist from Indonesia: The emergent leader awardee, Farhan, is on the frontlines of preserving the Leuser Ecosystem, often called the “lungs of Asia,” threatened by industries such as palm oil and mining.

Reflecting on the intersection of history and progress, Ms. Bautista-Afan noted the importance of preserving legacy while evolving to remain relevant. “Rotary has a glorious past; just like the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, it must continually adapt to engage new generations and foster meaningful connections worldwide,” she remarked.

Future Directions and Collaboration Opportunities

In closing, Ms. Bautista-Afan extended an invitation to the Rotary Club of Manila for potential partnerships. The Magsaysay Foundation, she said, is eager to collaborate with Rotarians in promoting their values on an international scale. She also encouraged members to visit the Magsaysay Center, where lectures, exhibits, and the upcoming public awarding ceremony on November 16 will be open to all.

A Closing of Gratitude and Shared Aspirations

As Ms. Bautista-Afan concluded, the room was filled with inspiration, a testament to the enduring legacy of Ramon Magsaysay’s vision of compassionate leadership. Her speech left a resonant message with all in attendance — a call to action that aligns seamlessly with the values of the Rotary Club of Manila. Following her talk, the Rotary Club of Manila expressed its appreciation, eager to explore future collaborations with the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation and to carry forward the ideals of service, peace, and community advancement.