Search is on for models of Fil excellence and values overseas

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
January 8, 2006

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas announced the formal opening of the search for the 2006 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas.

The Presidential Award is a biennial search for overseas-based individuals and organizations who have given form and substance to Filipino excellence and time honored values of pakikipagkapwa, pagtutulungan and bayanihan, by their exceptional achievements and humanitarian efforts.

The Presidential Awards have four categories, the Lingkod sa Kapwa Filipino Award, the Banaag Award, the Kaanib ng Bayan Award and the Pamana ng Filipino Award.

The Lingkod sa Kapwa Filipino Award is conferred on Filipino associations or individuals for their exceptional or significant contribution to reconstruction, progress and development of the Philippines.

The Banaag Award is conferred on Filipino individuals or associations for their contributions which have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

The Kaanib ng Bayan Award is conferred on foreign individuals or organizations for their exceptional or significant contribution to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, or have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

The Pamana ng Pilipino Award is conferred on Filipinos overseas, 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.

Since its inception in 1991 through Executive Order No. 498, the Presidential Awards have so far been conferred on 235 Filipino and foreign individuals and organizations overseas based in 36 countries. 

Nominations to the awards are first coursed through and evaluated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate nearest the place of residence or base of operations of the nominee. Nominees endorsed by Philippine Embassies and Consulates must then be transmitted to the CFO Awards Secretariat on or before 15 May 2006. Nominations sent by mail must be postmarked not later than the date of the deadline.

Nominees who have successfully passed the screening of the technical and executive committees and the Office of the President shall be conferred the 2006 Presidential Awards by the President of the Republic of the Philippines during the Awarding Ceremonies to be held in December 2006 at Malacañan Palace, Manila.