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COTABATO CITY — The Ateneo de Manila University (AdeMU) has bestowed its Government Service Award 2024 to Bangsamoro Social Services Minister Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie on November 6.
She has been the head of the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), putting in place several reform initiatives to improve the ministry’s quality of services for its Bangsamoro constituents.
The award is part of the university’s Traditional University Awards ceremony held at its campus in Quezon City, Metro Manila.
This prestigious recognition highlights her significant contributions to the region’s social services, particularly in promoting peace and welfare in Mindanao.
Minister Jajurie, an alumna of AdeMU with a degree in Political Science (Batch 1987), was selected for this award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to social justice, peacebuilding, and advocacy for the rights and welfare of marginalized communities in BARMM.
With her background in law and activism, Atty. Jajurie has played a crucial role in advancing humanitarian efforts and legislative reforms for the Bangsamoro people, making a profound impact on the lives of countless residents.
During Minister Jajurie’s acceptance speech, she acknowledged the importance of “modesty as a value that should guide how we live as we strive for social justice, where we try to dismantle the dichotomy of the rich and the powerful, and the poor and the powerless.”
She also mentioned how our chosen work should be something we believe in, and how we have to do everything possible we can, not for the compensation, recognition or rewards, but for the satisfaction of achieving a worthy purpose.
Traditional University Awards for distinguished alumni and individuals
This year’s Traditional University Awards also honored six other distinguished individuals. The Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi was awarded to Ricardo G. Abad for his contributions to Sociology and Theater, and to Florencio Antonio Quintos II for his influential body of work on Philippine culture.
An Honorary Degree was conferred upon Leila M. de Lima in recognition of her steadfast advocacy for human rights.
The Ozanam Award went to Fatima Garcia Lorenzo for her work in providing psychosocial support to pediatric patients through the Kythe Foundation.
On the other hand, the Lux-in-Domino Award was given to Alberto M. Malvar for his reforestation and ecotourism efforts in the Upper Marikina Watershed, and the Bukas Palad Award was presented to Flaviano Villanueva, SVD, for his compassionate work with marginalized communities through the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center.
The Government Service Award has honored notable public servants over the years, including esteemed figures such as Senator Risa Hontiveros (2023) for her advocacy in public health and social justice; Fortunato T. de la Peña (2019), then the secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Conchita Carpio Morales (2014), former Ombudsman; as well as Lilia B. De Lima (2011), former Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and Haydee B. Yorac (2004), former Chair of the Presidential Commission on Good Government.
Ateneo de Manila University’s Traditional University Awards, held annually, pay tribute to alumni and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service in areas aligned with Ateneo’s mission and values.
Established to celebrate excellence in public service, the arts, social development, and education, these awards reflect the institution’s commitment to social transformation and the public good. (/)