Marcos calls for support to 2026 Presidential Awards for Outstanding Filipinos nominations

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for support to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) which has opened the nominations for the biennial 2026 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (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,” said Marcos as cited in Memorandum Circular No. 112. 

The nominations for PAFIOO opened last December 11, 2025 and will close on May 29, 2026. The categories are: Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award, Banaag Award, Pamana ng Pilipino Award, and Kaanib ng Bayan Award.

The awardees will be announced in December 2026, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said. 

Since 1991, the PAFIOO honors “outstanding overseas Filipinos, as well as foreign individuals and organizations, in recognition of their exceptional achievements, humanitarian and philanthropic initiatives, and significant contributions to Philippine development and the advancement of the interests of the Filipino diaspora.” 

The PAFIOO has been conferred upon 555 individuals and organizations from 55 countries and territories by seven Presidents. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News