02 May 2025, Seoul - In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in partnership with the Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation (RMAF), successfully held a series of events highlighting shared values of leadership, service, and youth empowerment. 

These initiatives brought together Korean Magsaysay laureates, youth advocates, community leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and media to honor the enduring legacy of President Ramon Magsaysay and promote meaningful dialogue on contemporary challenges.

On 22 April 2025, the Embassy and RMAF delegates, led by former Foreign Affairs Secretary and RMAF Trustee Delia Domingo Albert, held the Magsaysay Legacy Exchange – South Korea: Leaders, NextGen, and Friendship Laureate Reunion at Lotte Hotel, Seoul. The event reconnected Korean Magsaysay laureates and brought together stakeholders to reflect on the values of courage, integrity, and service to the common good.

In her welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador. Theresa Dizon-De Vega emphasized the importance of the Ramon Magsaysay Award as a living legacy of principled leadership. 

Ambassador Delia Albert shared with participants the unique and storied history of the Magsaysay Awards and how the Foundation hopes to connect the awards and the “greatness of spirit” of RMAF laureate with the youth 

The program featured messages from notable Korean awardees and concluded with the unveiling of the RMAF Laureates’ Exhibit and the ceremonial turnover of the Greatness of Spirit book series to the Philippine Embassy and institutional partners. 

In a related activity, the Embassy collaborated with RMAF, the Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute (RMTLI), and the Blue Tree Foundation for a Youth Dialogue titled “Growing Together for a Better Asia: Promoting Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age” held at the Sentro Rizal Hall of the Embassy on 23 April 2025. The dialogue tackled mental health challenges facing young people, especially in the context of digital transformation, cyberbullying, misinformation, and the growing digital divide.

RMAF President Susan Afan opened the forum by calling for greater inclusion, empathy, and multi-stakeholder support for youth mental wellness. A panel discussion moderated by RMTLI’s Simone Sales featured Kim Jong-ki (2019 Magsaysay Awardee), Joon Shin Amangan of the ASEAN Youth Network, and Jiho Kim of the Blue Tree Foundation, who shared perspectives on building resilience and holistic care systems. An open forum followed, where youth and educators discussed practical approaches to supporting mental health in schools and communities.

Chairman Min Byoung-chul of the Sunfull Foundation shared with the audience the importance of building inclusive support networks in Korea’s increasingly multicultural society. 

The event concluded with former Secretary Delia Albert presenting the Ramon Magsaysay Children's Book Series to Mr. Kim Jong-ki. Mr. Kim’s story is among those included in the book series which promotes the inspiring stories of Magsaysay laureates as learning tools for future generations. 

In honoring the legacy of the Magsaysay laureates, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing people-to-people connections and promoting the values of courage, compassion, and transformative leadership—empowering the next generation to carry forward a legacy that continues to inspire hope across borders. END

Magsaysay Legacy Exchange - South Korea: Leaders, NextGen, and Friendship Laureate Reunion

Youth Dialogue - Growing Together for a Better Asia: Promoting Youth Mental Health in the Digital Age