Manila: Malacañang has directed all government agencies and instrumentalities to raise public awareness of the 2026 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO). Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, by authority of the President, signed on Jan. 15 Memorandum Circular (MC) 112, mandating all government agencies to extend full support to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) in the conduct of the 2026 PAFIOO. All local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector are likewise encouraged to support the initiative. According to Philippines News Agency, under MC 112, the Presidential Communications Office is directed to implement effective measures to inform and encourage the public to nominate outstanding overseas Filipinos for the 2026 PAFIOO. "The successful conduct of the 2026 PAFIOO requires the dissemination of information and the active participation of government agencies and instrumentalities, as well as the general public, in identifying an d endorsing qualified nominees," the memorandum read. The CFO opened the call for nominations for the 2026 PAFIOO on Dec. 11, 2025. Nominations for the award categories - Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award, Banaag Award, Pamana ng Pilipino Award, and Kaanib ng Bayan Award - will be accepted until May 29. A multi-stage evaluation process will be conducted before the conferment of the awards in December. Established in 1991 through Executive Order 498, the PAFIOO has been conferred by seven Philippine presidents on 555 individuals and organizations from 55 countries and territories. The award highlights the enduring excellence, selfless service, and deep commitment of overseas Filipinos and international partners to nation-building. The PAFIOO is a biennial award conferred by the President of the Republic of the Philippines on outstanding overseas Filipinos, as well as foreign individuals and organizations, in recognition of their exceptional achievements, humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives, and sign ificant contributions to Philippine development and the advancement of the interests of the Filipino diaspora.
