The Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) stands as a beacon of recognition for the global Filipino community, celebrating those whose contributions transcend borders and uplift the Filipino spirit. Held biennially, this prestigious awards program honors Filipinos abroad and international partners who exemplify the highest ideals of service, professionalism, and dedication. By acknowledging their roles in advancing the interests of overseas Filipino communities or contributing to the development and progress of the Philippines, the PAFIOO underscores the profound impact of the diaspora and the global partnerships that fuel positive change.
EVOLUTION
The awards date back to 1991 when former President Corazon C. Aquino institutionalized the program through Executive Order No. 498. The intent was clear: to formally recognize the invaluable efforts of Filipinos abroad and other individuals who, through their work and commitment, bring honor to the nation.
Recognizing the immense contributions of Filipinos overseas to the Philippines’ relief, rehabilitation, and development efforts, former President Aquino declared December as the Month of Overseas Filipinos through Proclamation No. 276, signed on June 21, 1988. In a speech marking this occasion in 1990, former President Aquino tasked the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) with establishing an awards system to recognize their contributions to the country.
Following this directive, the CFO, then under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), formulated the guidelines for the Awards for Filipinos and Private Organizations Overseas. The award was envisioned to pay tribute to various Filipino individuals and private associations overseas who rendered personal services, financial and material contributions, or other acts of assistance that contributed immensely to the country’s bid for reconstruction and growth, as well as furthering the cause of the Filipino migrant community. While the awards are focused mainly on Filipinos overseas, the efforts of foreign individuals and associations towards relief and rehabilitation are also given due recognition.
On December 19, 1991, 36 individuals and associations based in 13 countries and territories were conferred with the awards and special citation (2) by former President Aquino as part of the commemoration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos.
Realizing the need to provide a permanent system of recognition for the valuable contributions being made to Philippine developmental concerns by Filipino individuals and organizations abroad who continue to help the country through the years with their tireless efforts, donations, and remittances, former President Aquino issued Executive Order No. 498 that institutionalized the awards system as the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO).
The PAFIOO has evolved through the years, expanding its reach to recognize the excellence and achievements of overseas Filipino individuals in their profession through the Pamana ng Pilipino award. Since its institutionalization in 1991, the PAFIOO has been bestowed biennially by the Presidents of the Republic upon 553 individuals and organizations overseas based in 55 countries and territories.