The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) met with Dr. Roxanne Racquel Cajigas, recipient of the 2022 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) under the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) category, today, 14 January 2026, via Zoom, as part of its continuing efforts to reconnect with and strengthen partnerships with members of the Filipino diaspora.
Dr. Cajigas is widely recognized for her expertise in education and her sustained commitment to advancing the quality of learning for Filipinos both in the Philippines and overseas. She revitalized the Balik-Turo program of the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America, Inc. (AFTA), benefitting thousands of teachers, students, and school leaders nationwide. Through her volunteerism, she also supported scholarship initiatives for underprivileged students and expanded education-focused efforts that provided learning materials to public schools, including those in disaster-affected communities.
While she is no longer serving as president of AFTA, Dr. Cajigas continues to provide guidance and support to the organization when called upon. Currently, she is focused on her new role as the newly inducted Chair of the Board of Directors of the Philippine American Friendship Committee, Inc. (PAFCOM), which is also a recipient of the 2022 Presidential Banaag Award.
Dr. Cajigas will be featured in October in the CFO Diaspora Spotlight, a dedicated section of The Manila Times digital edition that celebrates the enduring impact of the Filipino diaspora, particularly in national development.
Established through Executive Order 498, the PAFIOO is the highest recognition conferred by the President of the Republic of the Philippines upon Filipinos and other individuals and organizations overseas whose exemplary service, achievements, and contributions have significantly advanced national development, strengthened the welfare of Filipino communities abroad, and upheld a positive global image of the Filipino. Nominations for the 2026 awards cycle are open until 29 May 2026.
Comments are closed