Nominations for 2008 Presidential Awards now open

Nominations for 2008 Presidential Awards now open

The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto would like to inform the Filipino community that nominations for the “Year 2008 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations overseas” is now open. Nominations may be submitted to the Consulate General or directly to the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) prefereably not later than 01 April 2008 to give ample time for the Consulate’s Awards Committee to review, validate and endorse the nominations which will be forwarded to (CFO) on or before 30 May 2008.

Awardees to be selected for this year will include exemplars of Filipino excellence, individuals who have dedicated their work in the service of the Filipino people, leaders of community initiatives that promote the common good, and advocates for the promotion and protection of the rights of others. Civil society organizations based overseas whose programs have helped improve the lives of others, particularly in the marginalized sectors, will also be honored.

The Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations overseas have so far been conferred on 283 Filipinos and private organizations overseas, since its establishment in December 1991 by Executive order No. 498.

There are four (4) categories of awards to be conferred on Filipinos and private organizations overseas: Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) Award, Kaanib ng Bayan Award, Banaag Award and Pamana ng Pilipino Award.

All nominations must be received on or before 30 May 2008 by the Presidential Awards Secretariat – Commission on Filipinos Overseas at Citigold Center, 1345 Quirino Avenuie corner South Superhighway, Manila, 1007, Philippines, Fax No. (632) 561-8332.

The Awards Ceremonies will be conferred by the President of the Philippines in a ceremony during the observance of the “Month of Overseas Filipinos” in Manila in December 2008.

Nomination forms are available at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, or may be mailed upon request (Attn.: Ms. Evangeline L. Cayongcat, Tel. No. 416-922-7181 ext 232).

(PRESS RELEASE)