The 1962 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service

RESPONSE of Horace Kadoorie
Ramon Magsaysay Award Presentation Ceremonies
31 August 1962 Manila, Philippines

The Ramon Magsaysay Award "in recognition of greatness of spirit shown in service to the people" will continue to be an inspiration to all those who have the well-being of their fellowmen at heart. To have been designated as men with this ideal is indeed a privilege for which I would express the profound appreciation and gratitude of both my brother and myself.

Ramon Magsaysay exemplified the highest type of democratic leadership—the need to improve the people's living standards in order to prove the correctness of the ideals of free enterprise both in agricultural development and in any industrial program.

What we have tried to do is to better the lot of the farmer—the man who produces the staple necessities of life, and who so often is ignored in the rush of everyday existence.

Your recognition today gives us the satisfaction of knowing that we have succeeded, and encourages us to strive further for the advancement of those less fortunate than ourselves.

The philosophy behind this effort lies in the universal concept of the brotherhood of man. This thought should ever be before us, since its ideals range through the cooperation of individuals to the friendship of nations, and the peace of the world.

I pray we may be given understanding and a broad vision, so that we may be worthy of the ideals set by your late revered President Magsaysay.