DESCRIPTION OF THE AWARDS


The Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) was created through Executive Order 498, signed by former President Corazon C. Aquino on 19 December 1991. This award system serves as a continuing manifestation of the government’s recognition of the immense contributions of overseas Filipinos and other individuals and organizations in the national development efforts and the promotion of the interests of the Filipino diaspora/overseas Filipino community, or exemplary achievements in their profession or field of work. 


From 1991 to 2024, the PAFIOO has already been conferred by seven (7) Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines to a total of 555 individuals and organizations based in 55 countries and territories. 

LINGKOD SA KAPWA PILIPINO (LINKAPIL) AWARD
BANAAG
AWARD

PAMANA NG PILIPINO AWARD

KAANIB NG BAYAN
AWARD

Videos and Photos

News and Announcements

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 𝘚𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘈𝘍𝘐𝘖𝘖 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘴. 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯: 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨. As part of the ongoing efforts of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) to engage with the recipients of the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), we are proud to present a special e-publication entitled “𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 […]
Ms. Zita T. Cabais, a 2024 Banaag Awardee of the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), was among those recognized at the 2025 Break All Chains Awards held on July 30 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Zita, who has spent decades in France advocating for Filipino domestic workers, received the Victim […]
Fresh from completing a week-long medical mission in Albay, United States-based Filipino physician and 2024 Presidential Awardee Dr. Elvy G. Barroso paid a courtesy visit to Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Chairperson and Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II earlier this afternoon. Dr. Barroso, founder of the Fight Against Tuberculosis Among Filipinos Foundation, Inc., was joined […]
Building on the success of the TB Training for Providers on May 9, 2025, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), through its Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) Secretariat, reaffirmed its support for 2024 PAFIOO Banaag Awardee Dr. Elvy Barroso’s continuing efforts in tuberculosis (TB) education and control in the Philippines. On […]
Aiming to enhance the knowledge and competencies of healthcare professionals in the areas of tuberculosis (TB) prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the 𝗧𝗕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 was held virtually on May 9, 2025, from 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM via Zoom. The session was led by 𝗗𝗿. 𝗘𝗹𝘃𝘆 𝗚. 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗼, a distinguished public health expert and […]
Engr. Mario Balboa, a 2022 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) Banaag Awardee, paid a courtesy visit today to Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). Engr. Balboa shared his continuing efforts to champion the professional development of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi […]
As part of its efforts to leverage the expertise of the overseas Filipinos, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) – 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀 (𝗣𝗔𝗙𝗜𝗢𝗢) 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁 and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗸 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗕𝗦𝗣) 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁 convened for a meeting on March 12, 2025 to strengthen collaboration […]
Quezon City – The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) conducted today, 17 March 2025 a lecture on Filipino international migration titled “The Cultural and Natural Treasures of the Philippines: The Journeys in Conservation of Dr. Almira Astudillo Gilles.” The event featured Dr. Almira Astudillo Gilles, a recipient of the 2012 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals […]
𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀 is a special publication of the PAFIOO-Secretariat of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas in celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration and International Women’s Day. This e-publication pays tribute to the extraordinary achievements and impactful […]
February 19, 2025 – Mr. Emanuel A. Nacario, a distinguished recipient of the 1996 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) under the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) category, paid a courtesy visit to Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II. During his visit, Mr. Nacario fondly reflected on the […]
CFO Chairperson, Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II, warmly welcomed Dr. Almira Gilles, 2012 PAFIOO Pamana ng Pilipino Awardee, during her visit to the CFO office yesterday, February 6, 2024. A proud Filipina scholar, researcher, book writer, and publisher based in Chicago, IL, Dr. Gilles has made significant contributions in the fields of anthropology and cultural […]

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas proudly announces the recipients of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), which include thirteen (13) distinguished and outstanding overseas Filipinos and foreign individuals and organizations from nine (9) countries who will be honored by His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in December 2024 at the Malacañan Palace.. ...

Following her insightful public lecture at UP Diliman for engineering students, 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗬. 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗼-𝗔𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗮, a 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀 (𝗣𝗔𝗙𝗜𝗢𝗢) 𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙤 Awardee, continued her mission of advocating for science and technology by serving as the Guest Scientist for the Manila Science High School (𝗠𝗮𝗦𝗰𝗶) STEM Talks on January 22, 2025.. ...

The Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) honorees— Ms. Zita Cabais, Dr. Melvin Senicas, Dr. Leo-Felix Jurado, Dr. Elvy Barroso, and Dr. Janet Cuaycong—took center stage in a thought-provoking roundtable discussion hosted by The Manila Times on December 14, 2024... ...

The City Council of Ligao, Albay has proudly passed a resolution commending Dr. Elvy G. Barroso, one of its distinguished constituents, for receiving the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) Banaag Award category. The City Council’s resolution celebrates Dr. Barroso’s achievements as a source of pride and inspiration for the people […]
We are pleased to share the speech of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. delivered during the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) held on December 11, 2024, at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace.        

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), in collaboration with Mapúa University, proudly invites you to the PAFIOO Masterclass on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN, at the Mapua Cinema, Mapua Makati, 1191 Pablo Ocampo Sr. Ext, Makati, Metro Manila. ...

Recipients of the recent Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (L-R) Zita Cabais, Janet Cuaycong, Dr. Elvy Barroso, Leo-Felix Jurado and Dr. Melvin Sanicas answer questions from The Manila Times (TMT) reporters during an interview at the newsroom in Intramuros, Manila, on Dec. 14 2024.. ...

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) will hold a post-awards testimonial dinner on December 13, 2024, at the Marriott Hotel, Pasay City, to honor the 13 outstanding recipients of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO). This special event follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s formal conferral of the prestigious awards at Malacañan Palace on December 11, 2024.. ...

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognized overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and organizations that have excelled in their respective fields and contributed to the progress of their host nations and the Philippines during the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas.. ...

We are delighted to announce the distinguished recipients of the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬 (𝐏𝐀𝐅𝐈𝐎𝐎)!...

Today, we gather and celebrate at the Malacañan Palace to honor the extraordinary Filipinos and organizations who have made lasting impacts around the world.. ...

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized 13 honorees of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) on Wednesday for bringing pride to the Philippines and Filipinos abroad. ....

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has announced 13 recipients of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO). The awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to the welfare of Filipinos and national development, will be conferred by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on December 11, 2024, at Malacañan Palace.. ...

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas proudly announces the recipients of the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), which include thirteen (13) distinguished and outstanding overseas Filipinos and foreign individuals and organizations from nine (9) countries who will be honored by His Excellency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in December 2024 at the Malacañan Palace.. ...

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is pleased to inform the public that nomination is now open for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO). The PAFIOO is a biennial search to honor and recognize overseas Filipinos and other individuals or organizations who contribute to Philippine development initiatives or promote the cause and interest of the Filipino diaspora/overseas Filipino communities. The awards are also given to overseas Filipinos who have exceptionally distinguished themselves in their work or profession, and have thereby brought pride to the Filipino nation. ...

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is pleased to inform the public that nominations are now open for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO).....

During the courtesy visit, Dr. Fernandez shared with CFO her life as an overseas Filipino who lived and worked in Japan, Singapore, Belgium, and the United States. As a doctor and multi-awarded and highly respected woman healthcare executive, she authored a book entitled “The Expat” where she narrates her challenges and powerful life lessons from living, working, and traveling around the world.....

At first glance, the reader might think that this is yet another book of a personal journey. Indeed, it is a record of real-life events that shaped Mr. Sergio’s life in a way that is relevant to the world of community leadership. What makes this book unique, however, is that it started to take shape during a global pandemic – an uncertain time when people somehow knew they would never be the same again....

Kapatiran at Ugnayan ng Natatanging Sining at Talento Filipino (KUNST Filipino), in collaboration with Music for Environment and Nation Development (MEND), Art’e Bauan, and Obrang organized “Lakbay Sining sa Limasawa” a free music and visual art workshop last March 3-5, 2023 in Limasawa, Southern Leyte. ...

Looking back at his journey as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), Engr. Balboa shared with Secretary Arugay his commitment and efforts to supporting the professional development of OFW engineers and other professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) which paved the way for the establishment of the Philippine Council of Engineers and Architects (PCEA), an umbrella organization ...

During the visit, Mr. Villagonzalo recounted his journey as a Filipino migrant in Australia and how volunteerism has helped him achieve a sense of belongingness in his host community. He also shared his past and current undertakings, as well as his plans and ideas for the welfare of overseas Filipino and other migrant communities in Australia.....

Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman, Sec. Francisco P. Acosta of CFO, and Ms. Solita M. Wakefield, President & COO of FtH, Inc. The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) strengthened its partnership with Feed the Hungry, Inc., (FtH, Inc.) through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on the BaLinkBayan Project on Monday, June 27, 2022. CFO Secretary […]

The prestigious Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) were presented recently to 56 recipients in simple ceremonies at the Manila Marriott Hotel....

After extensive deliberation of 117 nominations from 31 countries across Asia, North and South America, Europe, and Australia, 56 marvelous Filipino individuals and organizations based abroad are set to receive the most prestigious accolade the Philippine government bestows upon overseas Filipino individuals and organizations who have uplifted lives through philanthropic initiatives and exceptional contributions in...

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is pleased to announce to the public the fifty-six (56) distinguished and outstanding overseas Filipinos and foreign-based organizations from 20 countries and territories who will be honored by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with the 2021 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO)...

The PAFIOO deliberations are still ongoing at various stages and the proceedings remain confidential until the Office of the President (OP) has confirmed the selection..

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) reminds interested overseas Filipinos and the public that they only have until 31 May 2021 to submit their endorsed nominations for the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO).

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) extends the deadline of submission of nominations for the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organization Overseas (PAFIOO) from 31 December 2020 to 31 May 2021.

This is in consideration of the on-going COVID-19 global pandemic, which has afflicted countries across the globe and restricted mobility of people, as well as the requests of some Filipino communities overseas and diaspora organizations. The CFO is fully aware that the priorities of the countries right now, including the Philippine diplomatic posts, is in protecting the health and welfare of the people, and providing assistance to those afflicted with and affected by the disease. These valid concerns prompted the CFO-Awards Secretariat headed by Justice Francisco P. Acosta, to extend the nomination period to give a chance to qualified overseas Filipinos to participate, especially those OF health workers and other frontliners who sacrificed a lot in helping fight this pandemic.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic afflicting countries across the globe, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) would like to inform the public that the submission of nominations to the 2020 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organization Overseas (PAFIOO) has been extended from 31 July 2020 to 31 December 2020.

The 2018 PAFIOO Awardees with President Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte hailed overseas Filipinos, OFW families and organizations, as he conferred the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) to 25 outstanding OFs and organizations and Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) to six families on December 5, 2018 at Malacañang Palace.

 

CFO Secretary Justice Francisco P. Acosta announces the opening today, 15 August 2019, of the 2020 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) or the Gawad Pangulo.  

For more info, check out www.cfo.gov.ph.

 

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the recipients of the 2018 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is pleased to inform the public that nominations are now open for the 2020 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas.

President Rodrigo Duterte will confer the Presidential Awards to 25 distinguished and outstanding overseas Filipinos and foreign-based organizations during an Awarding Ceremony to be held at Malacañan Palace on December 5, 2018. The awardees come from 12 countries and territories and had gone through a rigorous four-stage selection process involving multi-sectoral representation. The Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) is the highest honour given by the Philippine government to Filipinos and organizations based overseas. 
 

The 2018 Presidential awardees with CFO Secretary and Chairperson Justice Nick Acosta and Usec. Astravel Pimentel-Naik

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas hosted a Pre-Awards Testimonial Dinner in honor of the 2018 Presidential Awardees on December 3, 2018 at the Manila Hotel. CFO Secretary Justice Francisco “Nick” Acosta and Usec. Astravel Pimentel-Naik welcomed and gave “plaque of commendation” to all the awardees who are based overseas.


The Commission on Filipinos Overseas will host a Pre-Awards Testimonial Dinner in honor of the 2018 Presidential Awardees - outstanding Filipino individuals and organizations overseas - on December 3, 2018 at The Manila Hotel. CFO Secretary Justice Francisco “Nick Acosta” and Usec. Astravel Pimentel-Naik will lead the social event as a way of touching base and thanking the awardees for their valuable contributions to Philippine development and assistance to Filipino communities. President Rodrigo Duterte will confer the awards in a ceremonial rite on December 5 at Malacanan Palace.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) reminds interested overseas Filipinos and the public that they have until May 31, 2018 to submit nominations for the 2018 PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR FILIPINO INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS OVERSEAS at the nearest Philippine embassy and consulate (which has jurisdiction of their nominee).

 

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the awardees of the 2016 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas.


The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is pleased to inform the public that nominations are now open for the Year 2018 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas.

The Presidential Awards is a biennial search to honor and recognize overseas Filipinos and other individuals or organizations which contribute to Philippine development initiatives, or promote the interests of overseas Filipino communities. The awards are also given to overseas Filipinos who have exceptionally distinguished themselves in their work or profession, and have thereby brought pride to the Filipino nation. A distinct category in the awards is also reserved for foreign individuals or organizations for their exceptional contribution to the Philippines and for advancing the cause of overseas Filipino communities. Since its inception in 1991, the awards have already been bestowed upon 460 Filipino individuals and organization overseas from 51 countries and territories.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the awardees of the 2016 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas.

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is pleased to inform the public that nominations are now open for the Year 2018 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas.

The Presidential Awards is a biennial search to honor and recognize overseas Filipinos and other individuals or organizations which contribute to Philippine development initiatives, or promote the interests of overseas Filipino communities. The awards are also given to overseas Filipinos who have exceptionally distinguished themselves in their work or profession, and have thereby brought pride to the Filipino nation. A distinct category in the awards is also reserved for foreign individuals or organizations for their exceptional contribution to the Philippines and for advancing the cause of overseas Filipino communities. Since its inception in 1991, the awards have already been bestowed upon 460 Filipino individuals and organization overseas from 51 countries and territories.

Statement of Secretary Edwin Lacierda:
On the week of December 1-5, 2014

[December 1, 2014]


[Excerpt]

On Friday, the President will attend the 2014 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) and host a ceremonial dinner for the awardees and their families. The biennial awards recognize Filipino individuals and overseas organizations that have made significant contributions to our country’s development, either by exhibiting professional excellence or by advancing the cause of Filipino communities abroad.

The Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas is a biennial awards system intended to give recognition to Filipinos and other individuals or organizations that contribute to Philippine development and progress, or promote the interests of overseas Filipino communities. The awards are also given to Filipinos overseas who have distinguished themselves in their profession and have brought honor to the Filipino people.

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The 2024 PAFIOO Awardees

The most recent edition of the awards, under the Administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. recognized 13 exemplary individuals and organizations from 9 countries. These honorees, selected from an impressive pool of 84 nominations spanning 27 countries through 41 Philippine Embassies and Consulates, embody the highest ideals of Filipino excellence, humanitarianism, and global citizenship.