Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) officials led by Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II met with top executives of The Philippine Star to promote the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO).
The biennial awards, scheduled for later this year, serve as the highest national recognition for overseas Filipinos who contribute to Philippine development or excel in their professions abroad.
The CFO will accept nominations for the 2026 PAFIOO until May 29, 2026, covering the following award categories: Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award, Banaag Award, Pamana ng Pilipino Award, and Kaanib ng Bayan Award.
The nominations shall undergo a multi-stage evaluation process leading to the conferment of the awards in December 2026.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently directed all government agencies and urged various sectors to extend their full support to the CFO for the 2026 PAFIOO.
“All government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed, and all local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector are hereby encouraged, to extend full support to the CFO in the conduct of the 2026 PAFIOO,” President Marcos said through Memorandum Circular No. 112 which was signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on January 15.
The collaboration with Philippine Star comes as the CFO undergoes a strategic pivot, moving beyond its traditional administrative functions to focus more heavily on mobilizing the global Filipino community.
Ang emphasized that raising public awareness of the CFO’s mandate is vital to reconnecting the diaspora with national progress.
“The goal is to bridge the gap between our kababayans abroad and the development needs of the country,” Ang said as he sought the media company’s reach to increase visibility for PAFIOO nominations.
Philippine Star editor-in-chief Ana Marie T. Pamintuan affirmed the importance of showcasing successful overseas Filipinos, citing the Balik Scientist Program as a prime example of the diaspora’s potential to drive national innovation. She noted that while many professionals are eager to give back, enhanced institutional support and media visibility are necessary to facilitate their return and contribution.
The dialogue also touched upon the Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD) program, which focuses on reconnecting younger generations of Filipinos with their cultural heritage.
Both parties committed to identifying notable overseas Filipinos whose stories can inspire the public and reinforce the Philippines’ global presence.
The CFO is mandated to strengthen cultural, political, and economic ties between Filipinos abroad and the Philippines, promoting their welfare, rights, and interests through policy formulation, programs (like guidance for migrant spouses/immigrants), and fostering diaspora engagement for national development, acting as a crucial link for economic, cultural, and social connections for the Filipino diaspora.Nominations now open for 2026 Presidential awards honoring Filipinos abroad
