The Honorable Chief Justice, Chairman and Trustees of the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation, distinguished guests, fellow Awardees and dear friends.

Thirteen years ago, I was appointed by my superior to be the head of the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority--an organization synonymous to corruption, inefficiency and a big bully from the public point of view. No government officer wanted to accept this job; but it challenged me.

Today, I come here to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award for having rehabilitated a ruined public utility, bringing safe drinking water to a million people in Cambodia's city. This is doubtless the most profound honor I have received. Words cannot express my deep appreciation and gratitude to the Foundation and its officers and trustees for this award.

I feel humbled by this recognition because I know that I did not do it alone. There are so many other unsung organizations and people who have made their respective contributions to help me achieve my mission at this level.

Cambodia was devastated by 20 years' civil war. Many homes were damaged and many lives were lost. Most infrastructure facilities were destroyed. The country under civil war was ruled by a dictatorship. This ravaged our economy and shattered the morale of our people. Surviving from the killing fields, favored with the support of well-meaning individuals and organizations, my colleagues and I have tried to do something for the benefit of our people; and we are able to do it to some extent.

In receiving this 2006 Ramon Magsaysay Award for government service, I would like to pay my humble tribute to this great leader, to thank those who have taken part in the selection process for bestowing this honor upon me, and to share it with all the dedicated and selfless men and women of PPWSA, who have contributed so much in bringing PPWSA to where it is today.

Our mission is by no means complete; we continue to do our best, as this award has propelled me to consolidate and expand my work.

Thank you all.