Roberto “Ka Dodoy” Ballon, 2021 Ramon Magsaysay awardee and the 45th University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Commencement Exercises speaker, said serving the people without conditions is the true treasure.
Ballon shared how his genuine service and persistence transformed the coastal community of Consolacion in Kabasalan town, Zamboanga Sibugay in his message to the UPV Class of 2024, Class Haraya during the graduation rites held at the UPV Covered Court on July 9, 2024.
Fluent in five local languages, Ballon mentioned in Tausug the three “Ts” needed to serve the people – “time, talent, and treasure.” Of the three, the last T is the most important as the true treasure of happiness is obtained when serving the people.
Decades before Ballon was recognized for his leadership and advocacy, he attended several seminars and underwent training where he learned the reason for their concerns on food security and protection of aquatic resources – the coastal community’s depleting mangrove cover.
Ballon organized the Kapunungan sa Gagmay'ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion or KGMC in 1986 to educate people on mangrove reforestation. He remained persistent in his advocacy despite the heavy skepticism and little support because of the underwhelming initial returns.
“My community may not have reaped instant benefits from the mangroves, but it is actually through this advocacy that people in my community were able to establish their livelihoods, at the same time, their involvement became their own key to improve their respective lives,” Ballon said.
“It is important that we pursue efforts that are sustainable, including a sustainable livelihood for everyone in the community” he added, mentioning that monetary aid to the community is not for the long-term.
In his message, Ballon shared that one is not required to have multiple PhDs to serve the people. He does, however, consider himself a “PhD” or a “person with high dedication,” which is why he was able to serve his coastal community.
Ballon also recognized that while a degree is not a requirement to serve, attaining such would enhance pursuits to serve for the greater good.
“Hindi natin kailangan ng mataas na degree. Pero, alam niyo, mas lalo na kung may narating tayo habang nagseserbisyo, kapag may degree tayo, mas lalo pa dapat natin na pagbutihin ang pagseserbisyo sa mga tao at sa ating pamayanan,” he said.
He closed his message by telling Class Haraya to focus on their strengths and hone their crafts after graduating to better serve the people.
