The 1960 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership

RESPONSE of Silvino Encarnacion

At this hour, I cannot find the words to describe the happiness that fills my heart. God willed that I be with all of you at this commemoration of the 61st anniversary of the late great father of the Philippines, Ramon Magsaysay.

Not even in my dreams did I expect that I would one day be accorded an honor and a prize such as this. We, in the barrios, extend help to our townmates with no hope for a reward. I now realize that even a poor man who does something good has a chance to be given recognition and a prize.

I give my heartfelt thanks to the family of the late President Ramon Magsaysay, to my townmates, to my fellow countrymen, and to all those who helped us reach the summit of honor and success.

I pray to God that I may make useful everyday the life and strength He gave me, in our town, our province and our country, so I may be worthy, and so I may peacefully retire to the home meant for me by the Supreme Maker.