The Commission on Filipinos Overseas is conducting its 2026 search for the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas, with the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai serving as the local receiving post for nominees based in the United Arab Emirates.
Established under Executive Order 498 signed by President Corazon Aquino in December 1991, the biennial program has grown into the Philippine government’s most prominent mechanism for honoring Filipinos abroad. Seven presidents have conferred the award on a combined 555 recipients drawn from 55 countries and territories over more than three decades.
UAE-based nominators must submit their documents to the Dubai consulate no later than May 7, 2026, Philippine time — an earlier cutoff set by the post to allow sufficient time for review, endorsement, and transmittal to the CFO Secretariat in Manila ahead of the national deadline of May 29, 2026.
The program covers four award categories. The Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award recognizes overseas Filipinos whose work has directly supported development in specific communities or sectors within the Philippines. The Banaag Award is given to those who have advanced the welfare of Filipino communities in their host country. The Pamana ng Pilipino Award honors individuals who have excelled in their profession and brought distinction to the country. Foreign nationals and foreign-based organizations whose efforts have benefited the Philippines or the broader Filipino diaspora may be considered under the Kaanib ng Bayan Award.
Eligible nominees include individual overseas Filipinos, community groups, associations, and foreign individuals or institutions. Self-nominations are also accepted. No monetary prize accompanies the award.
Category definitions and eligibility requirements are published at presidentialawards.cfo.gov.ph/award-categories and presidentialawards.cfo.gov.ph/eligibility. Nomination forms, documentary checklists, and step-by-step filing guides are accessible at presidentialawards.cfo.gov.ph/forms-and-guide.
