Chief Justice Hilario G Davide Jr presented the awards to six awardees from six countries in five categories, according to the Manila Bulletin Online.

He said the awardees' achievements are truly distinguishable and they have served as "living divine fire" to others where they have created concrete avenues in service to the people.

Juan Santos, RMAF chairman, said the remarkable men and women who have been honoured are ordinary people, living extraordinary lives under diverse, challenging, often hostile circumstances.

The awardees were presented with a medallion bearing the likeness of late president Ramon Magsaysay, a certificate, and a cash prize of $50,000.

They are Sen Jon Ungphakorn of Thailand for Government Service; Teten Masduki of Indonesia and Dr V Shanta of India for Public Service; Sombath Somphone of Laos for Community Leadership; Matiur Rahman of Bangladesh for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts; and Hye-Ran Yoon of South Korea for Emergent Leadership.

Matiur, editor of the daily Prothom Alo, in his speech said, "The award has firmed up our commitment to enhance people's freedom."

He is scheduled to deliver speeches on the role of mass media for social changes at the Asia Society today and tomorrow.