Filipino fisherman named as Ramon Magsaysay awardee
MANILA, Philippines — Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, a fisherman from Zamboanga Sibugay, was named on Tuesday as one of the Ramon Magsaysay awardees for 2021.
The Ramon Magsaysay Foundation recognized Ballon’s efforts in leading his fellow fisherfolk to restore to life a “dying fishing industry.”
“The foundation recognizes Ka Dodoy’s inspiring determination in leading his fellow fisherfolk to revive a dying fishing industry by creating a sustainable marine environment for his generation and generations to come,” Susan Afan, president of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, said in a virtual announcement event.
“His shining example of how everyday acts of heroism can truly be extraordinary and transformative,” she added.
Ballon was honored with the recognition which he dedicated to his family, fellow fishers, and those who assisted in his programs.
“Dahil dito, atin pang pagbutihin at palakasin ang ating mga programa at sana sa pamamagitan nito, mas lalong makilala at suportahan ang ating mga programa bilang maliliit na mangingisda sa Pilipinas,” Ballon expressed.
(With the award, let us enhance and strengthen our programs, and I hope that with this, our programs as small fisherfolk would be acknowledged and supported.)
Other awardees of the 63rd Ramon Magsaysay Awards are Firdausi Qadri, affordable vaccine champion from Bangladesh; Muhammad Amjad Saqib, poverty alleviation visionary from Pakistan; Steven Muncy, humanitarian and peacebuilder in Southeast Asia; and documentary maker Watchdoc from Indonesia for its media truth crusades.
This year’s Ramon Magsaysay Awards, Asia’s Premier Prize, and highest honor will be held on November 28, 4:30 p.m.
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