A fisherman from Zamboanga Sibugay, Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, was named one of the five Ramon Magsaysay awardees for 2021.
Ballon – the sole Filipino recipient of the 63rd Ramon Magsaysay Awards, join Firdausi Qadri, a champion of affordable vaccine from Bangladesh; Steven Muncy, a peacebuilder in the region; Muhammad Amjad Saqib, an advocate for poverty alleviation from Pakistan; and Watchdoc, a documentary maker from Indonesia.
“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,” said Susan Afan, president of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation.
Ballon, who grew up in the coastal village of Concepcion in Kabasalan town, founded an organization named Kapunungan sa Gamay nga Mangingisda sa Concepcion (Association of Small Fishermen of Concepcion) in 1986 together with other fishermen to oppose rampant fishpond conversion and the destruction of nearby mangrove forests.
“His shining example of how everyday acts of heroism can truly be extraordinary and transformative,” Afan said.
The reforestation program of Ballon’s group grew to a total of 500 hectares of mangrove forests as of 2015.
“Our families depend on the sea for our survival, not on politicians or other people, so it is only right that we make its protection our priority,” Ballon said.
Members of Kapunungan have also been deputized by the Kabasalan municipal government to patrol the waters against illegal fishing and mangrove logging.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award is given annually to outstanding organizations and individuals who demonstrated selfless service to communities in the continent.
The presentation of the awards will be held on November 28.