Roberto "Ka Dodoy" Amido Ballon Jr. (born May 24, 1968[1]) is a Filipino fisherman, environmental advocate, and community leader known for his work in sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation. He received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2021 for his contributions to environmental conservation and community development. In 2024, he entered national politics as a senatorial candidate.
Roberto "Ka Dodoy" Ballon | |
|---|---|
| Born | Roberto Amido Ballon, Jr. May 24, 1968 |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Occupation(s) | Fisherman, community leader, environmental advocate |
| Organization | Kapunungan sa Gagmay'ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion (KGMC) |
| Known for | Environmental conservation, fishermen's rights advocacy |
| Political party | Independent (since 2024) |
| Spouse | Rebecca Magsalay |
| Awards | Ramon Magsaysay Award (2021) |
Early life and education
editRoberto Ballon was born on May 24, 1968, in Pilar, Capiz, Philippines. At the age of 13, his family relocated to Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. During his youth, he was actively involved in organizing fellow young people for various activities at the local Catholic parish, demonstrating his early leadership skills.[2]
Career
editBallon began his career as a small-scale fisherman in Zamboanga Sibugay. Facing the challenges of depleted fish stocks and environmental degradation, he emerged as a community leader advocating for sustainable fishing practices.[3]
Leadership and environmental work
editAs the leader of Kapunungan sa Gagmay'ng Mangingisda sa Concepcion (KGMC), Ballon initiated several projects that transformed his fishing community:
- Led mangrove reforestation efforts, planting over 500 hectares
- Implemented sustainable fishing practices
- Organized fellow fishermen into cooperative groups
- Developed alternative livelihood programs[4]
Politics
editIn October 2024, Ballon filed his certificate of candidacy for senator in the Philippines. His platform focuses on:
- Maritime security enhancement
- Protection of Filipino fishermen's rights
- Environmental conservation
- Sustainable fishing practices[5][6]
Advocacy on West Philippine Sea
editBallon has been vocal about strengthening maritime security in the West Philippine Sea. In June 2024, he joined other fishers' groups in calling for:
- Enhanced protection for Filipino fishermen
- Increased maritime patrols
- Better support for small-scale fishing communities
- Protection of Philippine territorial waters[7]
Notable speeches and public engagements
editUP Visayas address
editIn July 2024, Ballon delivered a memorable speech at UP Visayas, addressing the graduating Class Haraya. Speaking in a mix of Filipino and English, he humbly acknowledged his lack of formal education while emphasizing his dedication to service:
"Wala akong kurso kagaya ninyo," (I don't have a degree like you do) Ballon stated, adding "Ang kurso na mayroon ako ay ang kursunada. Ito ang kursunada ko na magsilbi sa tao, sa aking pamayanan." (The only course I have is my passion. This is my passion—to serve the people, to serve my community.)[8]
During his speech, he shared the challenges he faced in his environmental advocacy, particularly in mangrove reforestation. His group was initially ridiculed as "lunatics" by community members. They persisted despite skepticism, with Ballon encouraging his team: "Magtanim lang tayo nang magtanim ng mangroves para balang araw, maibabalik natin ang ating kabuhayan." (Let's keep planting mangroves so that one day, we can restore our livelihood.) Their efforts eventually succeeded in restoring local biodiversity and providing livelihood opportunities.
Ballon emphasized the importance of genuine service, stating "Ang matuod nga serbisyo, wala naga hulat sang balik" (Genuine service does not expect anything in return). His message resonated with the graduating class, highlighting how his grassroots environmental work led to "a more united and empowered community."[8]
Awards and recognition
editIn 2021, Ballon was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often called "Asia's Nobel Prize," for his:
- Leadership in transforming his fishing community
- Success in mangrove reforestation
- Creation of sustainable livelihood programs
- Work in protecting marine resources
The award recognized his "inspiring determination in leading his fellow fisherfolk to revive a dying fishing industry by creating a sustainable marine environment."[3]
Other awards received by Ballon include:
- National Gawad Natatanging Parangal (Distinguished Award) for fish conservation - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (2019)
- Ateneo de Zamboanga School of Medicine Award - Most Outstanding Fisherfolk Organization Leader (2011)
- Most Outstanding Fisherfolk in Zamboanga Sibugay (2006)
- Quedan and Rural Credit Guarantee Corporation Award - Self-Resilient Team Program (Fish Culture Category)
- Department of Agriculture's National Gawad Saka Award (2005)
- Gawad Saka Award in Zamboanga Sibugay (2003, 2004)[9]
These recognitions span nearly two decades of Ballon's work in environmental conservation, sustainable fishing practices, and community leadership. His consistent recognition at both regional and national levels demonstrates the sustained impact of his initiatives in marine conservation and community development.
References
edit- ^ "BALLON, ROBERTO AMIDO" (PDF). Commission on Elections. October 29, 2024. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
- ^ Ryan D. Rosauro (September 12, 2021). "Ka Dodoy: Guardian of Sibugay mangroves". Inquirer.net.
- ^ a b Jairo Bolledo (September 5, 2021). "How helping fellow fishermen got Roberto Ballon the Magsaysay award". Rappler.
- ^ Earl D.C. Bracamonte (December 7, 2021). "'We depend on seas not politicians': Fisherman receives Ramon Magsaysay Award 2021". Philstar.com.
- ^ John Eric Mendoza (October 7, 2024). "Ramon Magsaysay awardee, fisherman Roberto Ballon files COC for senator". INQUIRER.net.
- ^ Iya Gozum (October 7, 2024). "Ramon Magsaysay 2021 awardee Roberto Ballon runs for senator". Rappler.com.
- ^ Lade Jean Kabagani (June 24, 2024). "Fishers' groups urge: Boost maritime security". Tribune.net.ph.
- ^ a b Clariza Concordia (July 23, 2024). "UPV Class Haraya, urged to serve the people". UP.edu.ph.
- ^ Gideon Binobo (2022). "Roberto Ballon: Championing Environmental Leadership Even at the Height of Pandemic Crisis". International & Executive Programs, Berkeley.