Migration and Development Consultations

“Tierra adorada, hija del sol de Oriente,
su fuego ardiente en ti latiendo esta...”
- Jose Palma, Himno Nacional Filipino

Our history has brought us to foreign lands but it is the fire of our country, the same fire that beats in our hearts that keeps us a nation no matter where we are. Always, the biggest challenge of being in a foreign land is survival but equally and truly remarkable is the charity of them who have never ceased to bring hope, assistance and honor to our country.

Circa 1417, Paduka Batara, a respected Sulu royalty, who was on a trade mission to China was honored by imperial ministers with a memorial arch and gateway bearing the inscriptions “Reverent and Steadfast.” Paduka Batara’s children, who were with him for the mission became the first recorded migrants from what is now the Philippines.

Since then, in our struggle as young nation, migrants have played pivotal roles that would define our national character; at the peak of this struggle is the great Jose Rizal, himself a migrant, whose works unearthed the greatness of the Filipino, long buried by oppression. Migration has become a permanent aspect of Philippine life and Filipinos overseas have become important partners in Philippine economic and social development. In recognition of the important role of Filipinos overseas, the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas has been instituted through Executive Order No. 498 issued in December 1991.

A biennial event, the Awards will be hosted by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2008 at the Malacañan, in observance of the Month of Filipinos Overseas. The President will be honoring Filipinos overseas who have dedicated their work in the service of the Filipino people and who are exemplars of Filipino talent and industry. Overseas-based civil society organizations which have helped improve the life of underserved communities in the Philippines will also be honored.

The global search for Presidential awardees seeks candidates whose personal, vocational, professional or organizational achievements truly reflect professional excellence, cultural pride, dedication to national development,
faith in the Filipino, and parental sacrifice for the country.

Once more, we look forward to a new moment of pride and gratitude.

Congratulations to all the awardees!

FINAL LIST OF AWARDEES: PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR FILIPINO INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS OVERSEAS

* Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award

This award shall be conferred on Filipino associations or individuals for their exceptional or significant contribution to reconstruction, progress and development in the Philipines.

* Banaag Award

This award shall be 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

This award shall be conferred on foreign individuals or organizations for their exceptional or significant contributions 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.

* Pamana ng Pilipino Award

This award shall be conferred on Filipinos overseas, who, in expemplifying 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.