Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (R) congratulates Ikuo
Hirayama of Japan after he accepted his Ramon Magsaysay award for peace
and international understanding during a ceremony in Manila August 31,
2001. Named after the former Philippine president, the Ramon Magsaysay
Awards annually honors individuals in Asia whose life and work are
characterized by selfless service, which impacts the lives of the
greater many. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

RR/RCS