JEDDAH, 27 April 2006 — The search for the presidential awardees for year 2006 is on.
As in the past, according to an announcement by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) in Manila, awards will be given in the following categories:
Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (Linkapil): Conferred on Filipino associations or individuals for their exceptional or significant contribution to reconstruction, progress and development in the Philippines;
Banaag Award: 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;
Kaanib ng Bayan Award: 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; and
Pamana ng Pilipino Award: Conferred on overseas Filipinos, 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.
The award will be given by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Manila in December during the observance of the “Month of Overseas Filipinos.”
“The Presidential Awards is given every two years to outstanding overseas-based individuals and organization which, by their exceptional achievements or humanitarian efforts, have given form and substance to Filipino excellence and the time honored values of pakikipag-kapwa, pagtutulungan and bayanihan,” said the CFO in a statement.
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, the statement said.
Nominations have to be 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 missions must then be transmitted to the CFO Awards Secretariat on or before May 15. Nominations sent by mail must be postmarked not later than the date of the deadline. Nomination forms for the awards may be obtained from the nearest Philippine embassies or consulates. The rules and mechanics of the awards, as well as nomination forms, may be downloaded at [email protected].