 |
ALVAREZ A RECIPIENT OF THIS YEAR'S GUSI PEACE PRIZE AWARD
Manila Bulletin
November 18, 2007
For elevating climate change and global warming as the foremost environmental issues in the country today, as well as his dedicated public service, former Senator and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Heherson T. Alvarez will receive this year 2007 Gusi Peace Prize Award, dubbed Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Alvarez was recognized "for his visionary leadership and commitment in protecting the environment, and his persistent courageous struggle to restore Philippine democracy, modernizing its economy, and advancing social justice."
He will be joined by only two other Filipino awardees from a list of 17 global leaders, Chief Public Attorney Persida V. Rueda-Acosta (social justice and international humanitarian law) and Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) Chairwoman Constancia de Guzman (crackdown against corruption).
The Manila-based Gusi peace Prize Foundation, a 38-year-old non-profit organization, annually gives the award to individuals worldwide based on their contributions to peace and human rights.
This year, President Arroyo designated Vice President Noli L. de Castro to preside over the awards ceremony as special guest of honor and keynote speaker at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City on Nov. 21.
While in exile in the US, Alvarez exposed the hidden billions of the Marcoses and lobbied to cut US economic and military aid to the dictatorship. For his efforts, he received the UN Human Rights Day Award from the new York-based Fund for Free Expression.
US Sen. Ted Kennedy acknowledged his efforts in the restoration of democracy in the country, saying Alvarez’s "tireless dedication to democracy in the Philippines made a real difference."
|
|
|
