EDITORIAL – Servants of the people

When Malacañang and Congress are busy explaining why they have to retain the bulk of their pork barrel, it’s good to be reminded that selfless public service is possible. The example was set by Ramon Magsaysay, third president of the republic, who earned the respect and affection of Filipinos as he rose from humble beginnings to the nation’s highest office.

Magsaysay’s 97th birth anniversary was celebrated the other day with the annual ceremonies for the awards that bear his name. Dubbed as the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Prize, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards honor not only exemplary public officials but also civilians who excel in their fields to make their communities, their countries and the world a better place.

This year’s awardees include two Filipinos: Haydee Yorac, feisty head of the Presidential Commission on Good Government, and Benjamin Abadiano, noted for his work with indigenous communities. Yorac, the awardee for government service, was cited for promoting public confidence in government through her integrity, dedication and pursuit of the rule of law. Abadiano, the awardee for emergent leadership, is a model for volunteerism, assisting indigenous communities in literacy and livelihood projects even as he helps preserve their unique cultures.

From other parts of Asia there is Jiang Yanyong, the doctor from China who is now in trouble with his government for telling the world the truth about the extent of the SARS problem in his country. Jiang, the awardee for public service, said the truth must be known to save lives. From Thailand there is Prayong Ronnarong, the awardee for community leadership. The rubber farmer led his rural community in southern Thailand toward self-reliance and prosperity after the collapse of rubber prices three decades ago.

Teacher Abdullah Abu Sayeed of Bangladesh is the awardee for journalism, literature and creative communication arts. He was recognized for promoting a love for books and learning among the youth of his country. Laxminarayan Ramdas of India and Ibn Abdur Rehman of Pakistan shared the award for peace and international understanding. The two head the Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy, which seeks to end the half-century-old conflict between the two countries.

Like the late President Magsaysay, the awardees show that dedicated service to the people is possible, and that every individual, in his own little way, can be a catalyst for positive change.