Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Phượng (left-most) is one of the five winners of the 2024 Ramon Magsaysay Award for her dedication to help Agent Orange victims. — Photo from Ramon Magsaysay Award

The annual Ramon Magsaysay Award in the Philippines aims to honour individuals and organisations in Asia for their contributions towards society and human development. 

Phượng was recognised for her contribution towards unveiling the truth about the damage of Agent Orange which was used by the US during the US-Việt Nam War and seeking justice for affected victims through her research and work with the Việt Nam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA).

The citation for the Ramon Magsaysay Award announced on August 31 read Phượng “has taken up the cause of Agent Orange victims with the American Public Health Association, among other forums, and supported legal action to seek compensation from chemical companies.

“The RMAF board of trustees recognises her spirit of public service and the message of hope she continues to propagate among her people. At the same time, her work serves as a dire warning for the world to avoid war at all costs as its tragic repercussions can reach far into the future.

“She offers proof that it can never be too late to right the wrongs of war and gain justice and relief for its hapless victims.”

Phượng is currently the deputy chairwoman of the Việt Nam Fatherland Front Committee in HCM City, chairwoman of the HCM City Association of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and deputy chairwoman of the Việt Nam Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

She is also the former director of the city’s Từ Dũ Hospital, she was previously director of the Heart Institute of HCM City and is a former deputy chairwoman of the VAVA in HCM City.

Other award winners include Karma Phuntsho, a former monk and Bhutanese scholar, for his contribution to preserving Bhutan’s rich culture and promoting social entrepreneurship; and Indonesian forest conservationist Farwiza Farhan, who is focusing on protecting, conserving and restoring the Leuser ecosystem in Sumatra, Indonesia.

Japanese animator and co-founder of Studio Ghibli Hayao Miyazaki, whose work within many highly respected animated movies, tackles complex issues.

And the Rural Doctor Movement in Thailand, a group of Thai doctors, advocates for healthcare for poor people in rural areas.

The 66th award ceremony this year will be held on November 16 in Manila. — VNS