CFO Launches Search for Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), though Secretary and Chairperson Francisco P. Acosta, announced today that in recognition of the overseas Filipinos' (OFs) outstanding contributions to national development efforts and their notable achievements in their fields of profession, the Philippine government will confer the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) to honor and recognize OFs and other individuals or organizations who contribute to Philippine development initiatives, promote the interests of the Filipino diaspora, or have exceptionally distinguished themselves in their work.

The schedule of the next awards ceremony is in December 2020, and the deadline for accepting nominations is on 31 July 2020 (Philippine time).

“We know that numerous individuals and organizations in your areas deserve recognition for their positive contributions to the Filipino people, society, economy, and heritage,” said Secretary and Chairperson Acosta.

Since its inception in 1991, the PAFIOO has been bestowed upon 485 Filipino individuals and organizations overseas in about 52 countries and territories. The biennial award highlights the time-honored Filipino values of bayanihan or the convergence of pakikipagkapwa, pagtutulungan, and pagkakaisa. The four (4) award categories are:

1. Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award conferred on Filipino individuals or organizations for their exceptional or significant contribution to progress and development in the Philippines

2. Banaag Award conferred on Filipino individuals or organizations for their contributions that have significantly benefited a sector of the diaspora, or advanced the cause and interest of overseas Filipino communities

3. Pamana ng Pilipino Award conferred on overseas Filipino individuals, who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession

4. Kaanib ng Bayan Award conferred on foreign individuals (natural-born) and organizations for their exceptional or significant contribution to Philippine progress and development, or in advancing the cause or promoting the interests of overseas Filipino communities

All nominations shall be coursed through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General that has jurisdiction over the place of residence/operations of the nominee for review and endorsement. Original copies of the endorsed nominations and supporting documents must be submitted not later than 31 July 2020 (Philippine time) to:

Presidential Awards Secretariat

Commission on Filipinos Overseas

Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue corner

South Superhighway, Paco, 1007 Manila, Philippines

Tel. Nos.: (632) 552-4760 to 68

E-mail: presidentialawards.cfo@gmail.com

For detailed guidelines, downloadable nomination and endorsement forms, steps for completing the nomination form, and other relevant information about the awards, please visit www.presidentialawards.cfo.gov.ph.

To keep you updated with Presidential Awards, like and follow the Gawad ng Pangulo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gawadpangulo/. (Commission on Filipinos Overseas)